INTERDEPENDENCE THEORY Lecture 10.1 INTERDEPENDENCE THEORY A.   INTRODUCTION B.   Interdependence implies that actors are interrelated or connected such that something happens to at least one actor on at least one occasion, in at least one place, will affect all the actors.

Lecture 10.2 A.   In any given system of relations the more the more places and the more occasions, the greater independence. B.   According to Koehene and Nye 1977 interdependence implies sensitivity C.   Whether all actors are affected equally will define whether the interdependence is symmetrical or not

Lecture 10.3 A.   Symmetry is usually seen as the starting point against which actual instances may be judged. In reality it is not likely to be perfect B.   Conversely, if one actor in a system is relatively indifferent about some change in relationships while another is crucially accepted by it, then interdependence is asymmetric. C.   This often leads to highly manipulative set of relations with one actor or group being totally dependent upon some other actor or group.

Lecture 10.4 A.   More discerning writers recognized that interdependence, as a characteristic of relationships, could be identified with one of the most persistent features of the state system- alliance B.   In alliance situation the degree of dependence will depend upon how much allies need each other and how dependent they are upon each other’s capability to meet external threat. C.   2oth century has witnessed the growth of interdependence in military security issue area.

Lecture 10.5 A.   However recent scholarship have identified the wealth welfare economic issue area rather than military security. B.   Complex interdependence is a term used to reflect new portrayal of reality. C.   As an explanatory model of the world politics it assumes multiple channels of contact between societies, an absence of hierarchy among issues and disutility of military power or at best minor role for the use of force

Lecture 10.6 A. Depicted by military pacts- E.g. B.   Independence is not always positive in outcome- EU cannot do without US power. C.   Not all states are interdependent- though they can exchange compliments and insults. D.   Asymmetrical- means may win/ lose but not in the same way.

Lecture 10.7 A. Supra-national organizations suggest interdependence B.   But USA has refused 1.    Kyoto 2.    1972 Ballistic Missile 3.    International criminal court 4.    Zimbabwe said no to CITES

Lecture 10.8 A.   Free trade benefits both sides even though it might be unequal B.   Not all parts / individuals within states are part of the interdependence- Gokwe and Harare, Individual in Harare and one in Mukumbura, those dependent are affected. Interdependence create vulnerabilities

Lecture 10.9 1. Even the powerful e.g. 1970 oil crisis 2.    New technology brings possibility and makes us more dependent A.   Beef- EU benefits, Zimbabwe benefits B.   IMF conditionality are good, but the way they are applied is questionable.