POL SCI 20 Chapter Notes -World Trade Organization, World Politics, North American Free Trade Agreement
Document Summary
It is easier for a smaller group to act effectively, because they can coordinate together and be more efficient. Iteration, linkage, and strategies of reciprocal punishment are all ways to aid cooperation between actors. The availability of information also aids in cooperation between states. Brinksmanship involves a state taking actions that may start an accidental war, showing that they mean business. Tying hands involves leaders making statements and threats that they cannot back down from, and if they do back down they are subject to audience costs. In addition linkage and iteration can serve as a sort of enforcement: dividing apparently indivisible good, whether physically or symbolically. History of alliances: before world war 1, there were essentially 2 armed camps: The triple alliance, headed by germany and austria. The triple entente, with russia, france, and britain. The alliances during the cold war were highly institutionalized and ideologically based.