PSC 116G Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Complex Interdependence, Security Dilemma, Counterpoint
23 Nov 2018
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Document Summary
Shares many of the realist assumptions (anarchy, states are the primary actors, rationally) But rethinks implications of anarchy on state behavior. Agrees that anarchy creates a security dilemma. Possibility of cheating (i. e defection) is a distinctive to cooperation, especially if survival is at stake. Cooperation is more likely if cheating can be detected before a threat to security. Cooperation can result from rational pursuit of self-interest. Sometimes only way to achieve goals is through cooperation. Reciprocity is an effective strategy to facilitate cooperation. Liberalism institutionalists argue that institutions are best way to overcome negative aspects of anarchy. Institutions: sets of agreed upon norms, rules, and practices. International regimes: range of cooperation activity from formal institutions to shared norms. Primary feature of international politics since wwii has been increased interdependence between states. Complex interdependence theory rejects narrow focus on state. Expands the range of influential actors and interests of those actors. Power and security is not always primary motivation.
