Introduction to International Relations

Relatively new concept (1980s)

Definition:◦ Regime - “set of implicit and explicit principles, norms, rules and

decision-making procedures around which actors’ expectations

converge in a given issue-area”

◦ (Krasner, International Regimes)

Parts: informal and formal

A. Informal parts1. Principles – ideas that members cherish

2. Norms – specify the general standards of behavior

B. Formal parts1. Rules – formal rules

2. Decision-making procedures – specify ways at which members

arrive at decisions

Rules and DMPs may often change but principles and

norms seldom do…

Examples of regime:◦ Aviation regime

◦ Nuclear non-proliferation regime

◦ Trade regime

◦ Monetary regime

Free economic relations is a public good (or collective

good)

◦ Beneficial, but hard to provide

Explanation?

Neo-realist answer:1. Hegemonic stability theory

Robert Gilpin, The Political Economy of International Relations

Hegemon – forces others to join; bears the costs of creating the order;

monitors other states’ behavior; punishes defectors

E.g., US, UK

After WWII, the US had:1. preponderance of power

2. Will to act as a hegemon

The US created and maintained post-WWII free economic

order◦ UK played the role in the late 19th century

Late 1970s and early 1980s◦ Germany and Japan catching up

◦ Vietnam quagmire heavy military spending

◦ Abandonment of the Bretton Woods System

What happened according to neo-realism?

Continuation of free international economic order?

Neo-liberalist answer:1. Neo-liberal institutionalist theory

Answer lies in regimes

International economic regimes sustained free economic order

Robert Keohane, After Hegemony

Cooperation is possible without hegemony since international regimes

make this cooperation possible

Assumptions?1. Rationality of actors

2. One-shot game

3. No communication among actors

How do regimes induce cooperation?1. Increase transparency of states

2. Reduce transaction costs

3. Provide idea of sunk costs

4. Provide enforcement mechanisms

5. Create norms of reciprocity