By Adam Cullen

Abstract: In the wake of COVID-19 and potentially catastrophic climate change, international organizations have recommended that the public alter its behavior in some significant ways. Despite this, international relations literature has focused solely on how International Organizations (IOs) can change the public’s views rather than their actions. I rectify this omission by looking at the interaction between the signaling of IOs and three other messengers: domestic elites, the United Nations and federal courts. Drawing on elite cueing and IO legitimacy literature, I theorize that domestic elites and the UN will be effective at altering the public’s behavior, while courts will not. To test my hypotheses I administer a randomized survey experiment to approximately 3,000 citizens of 10 UN member states. The survey tests whether citizens are willing to adopt more sustainable methods of transportation based on the recommendation of an environmental IO, with each treatment group receiving statements of support or opposition from the messengers being studied. Finally, I conclude and draw policy implications regarding the most effective ways to get the public to change their behavior.