They can provide an alternative focal point for loyalty, such as the peace movements in many countries that opposed the arms race in the 1980’s. Citizens do not always think their governments know best. Indeed, some NGOs provide an alternative “foreign” policy that transcends national governments. For example, NGOs working together for a greater cause – like the protection of whales against countries that still hunt whales. National governments may not necessarily represent the views of their citizens on all issues – hence the importance of NGOs