How are international organizations defined?

International organizations are defined as entities established by treaties or agreements among nations. This definition captures the essence of what constitutes an international organization, as these entities often arise from formal commitments made between states to cooperate on issues of mutual interest. These organizations can be global, like the United Nations, or regional, such as the European Union, and they are characterized by their structured frameworks which allow them to operate on an international scale.

The formation of international organizations typically involves a legal instrument, such as a treaty, that outlines their purpose, structure, and functions. This formal establishment distinguishes them from informal arrangements or casual collaborations between states.

In contrast, other definitions or descriptions found in the other choices do not fully encapsulate the nature of international organizations. For instance, the emphasis on promoting national interests does not reflect the collective and cooperative goals that underpin many such organizations. Similarly, while informal alliances and business consortiums may involve cooperation, they lack the formalized structure and legal grounding characteristic of international organizations. Thus, the correct understanding of international organizations hinges on the concept of their establishment through formal agreements among nations.