The False Promise of International Institutions Pt 2

John Addleman

1. Cooperation is difficult, but does occur.

2. Two factors inhibit this cooperation

a. Relative-gains consideration

a.i. Cost/benefit analysis

a.ii. Two types of consideration

a.ii.1. Absolute gains

a.ii.1.a. Cooperation is easier

a.ii.2. Relative gains

a.ii.2.a. In reality this is primary motivator

a.ii.2.b. Cooperation more difficult

a.ii.2.b.i. Arguments over how the ‘pie’ is split

b. Concern about cheating

3. Cooperation can occur between rivals as well as allies

a. Germany/Russia vs. Poland 1939

4. States will also operate via institutions

a. These institutions mirror the balance of power between states

5. 3 Institutional Theories

a. Liberal institutionalism

a.i. Least ambitious

a.ii. Increased cooperation reduces war a.iii. Creates laws that constrain states

b. Collective security

b.i. Directly addresses preventing war

b.ii. Replaces realism with three norms;

b.ii.1. Reject use of force to change status quo

b.ii.2. In dealing with states that use force do not act on basis of self

interest

b.ii.3. Trust other states to reduce and renounce aggression

c. Critical theory

c.i. Aims to transform international affairs fundamentally and create opportunity

for genuine peace

c.ii. Rejects realist thinking about self-interested behavior of states

c.ii.1. Ideas and discourse are fundamental forces behind behavior

c.ii.2. Realism says that it’s a function of the structure of the external

world

6. Many think that institutions will pave the way for peace in the future

a. This is incorrect because the 3 theories are flawed

a.i. Fundamental logic problems with each

7. Americans regard realism with hostility

a. It’s pessimistic

b. War is inevitable

b.i. People don’t like to accept this

c. Doesn’t distinguish between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ states

8. America has history of disregarding realism