Race, Representation, and the Legitimacy of International Organizations

David A. Steinberg, Daniel McDowell

International Organization, November 2024

Daniel McDowell

Political Science Department

Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs

Africa (Sub-Saharan)

International Governmental Organizations

Race & Ethnicity

United States

International Organization

Daniel McDowell

This study explores how race impacts the legitimacy of international organizations (IOs). Specifically, we examine whether the representation of Black people in IO leadership positions influences perceptions of IO legitimacy among Black and white individuals.

To do so, we fielded seven survey experiments in two racially diverse countries, South Africa and the United States, and three experiments in one predominantly Black country, Kenya. Our experiments were designed to distinguish the effects of an IO leader's race from their region of origin.

We find that Black IO leadership enhances perceptions of institutional legitimacy among Black citizens, but does not strongly influence the legitimacy perceptions of their white counterparts. Our findings suggest that improving the representation of historically marginalized racial groups within IOs can enhance their popular legitimacy.