ENVIRONMENTAL NGOS AND REGIME CHANGE - THE CASE OF OCEAN DUMPING OF RADIOACTIVE-WASTE

This article deals with the recent change of the global regime control ling ocean dumping of low-level radioactive waste. Why did this regime , which originally permitted ocean dumping of low-level radioactive wa ste, undergo a regime change that resulted in this activity being outl awed? It is concluded that the actions of a global environmental non-g overnmental organization (ENGO) were decisive in the regime change pro cess, independent of state interests or epistemic communities. Four pr imary roles for ENGOs in environmental regimes are suggested - mobiliz ing international public opinion, transnational coalition building, mo nitoring of states' environmental commitments and advocating precautio n and protection of the environment. It is concluded that regime studi es should pay more attention to ENGOs and interaction between ENGOs, s tates and epistemic communities.