It definitely affects the nation's image especially as a player on the international stage. To elaborate this I have a few examples. Firstly, the United States holds a great amount of sway in the United Nations as it hosts the headquarters, other than the fact that they are one of the largest contributors to the UN. Secondly, in the context of SAARC, India is largest nation of the Association, within the regional organisation, they are seen the most important members. This is illustrated by the SAARC University in New Delhi. Thirdly, Belgium is considered an image of the European union. These cities and nations become reliable members of the international community. However, critics argue that this may lead to hegemonic tendencies. In other to combat this, the internal balance of power within the organisation must be maintained as is seen in dynamics between nations

@Eriks Vahpahovskis

@Aparna, thank you for your response, I totally see logic behind what you are saying, but I was just curious whether anyone was trying to prove it empirically. For instance, do people that belong to SAARC know where SAARC HQs are? Does their perception about/ atitude towards a city/country hosting HQs change?

It definitely changes the perception of that place on a regional level. For example, a few years ago I had the opportunity to talk to some Nepalese and Bhutanese students, and asked them where would they be pursuing higher education, they said New Delhi, when I asked them why? They didn't talk so infrastructure but of the opportunity to study in the capital of India, the largest member of SAARC. An estimated (76%) of people from SAARC nations come to India in search of better jobs, education etc. Therefore, yes in my opinion hosting these international organisations atleast at a regional level boosts the national image

Thank you!

My only thoughts would be content analysis of publications sucn as LaPrensa (Panama in Spanish but with instant English translations on their site), and the English language news summary NEWSROOM PANAMA for articles on the Summit of the Americas and how hospitality, trade, music, art, and hemispheric and international media coverage impacted longer term perceptions of a host city or nation. I think both FIFA and the International Olympic Committee would be valuable in terms of World Cub finals and Olympic sites if the inquiries would consider sports as part of an interdisciplinary Participatory Research Action Project.....good uck! mark@

Thank you, Mark

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