Theories of International Relations- Liberalism Robert Keohane and Joseph S. Nye, Jr., Power and Interdependence (1977)  The liberal conceptualization of the international system  The ‘complex interdependence’ thesis  The conceptualization of states’ preference formation  Comparison with the realist and neo-realist IR theories

The liberal conceptualization of the international system  Distinct idea of international anarchy: questions the utility of use of power in international politics/ transnational actions and organizations  Politics of economic interdependence: - Power-based analysis of the politics of interdependence, drawing on bargaining theory - The’ complex interdependence thesis and the process that it encompasses - International regimes

The ‘complex interdependence’ thesis  Societies not only connect through interstate but transgovernmental and transnational channels, hence states are not the sole actors in international politics and the state is not an unitary actor  There is no hierarchy of issues in the interstate relations, hence the state foreign policy is not predominated by the security issue  States overcome the security dilemma though military power can be used politically

The conceptualization of states’ preference formation  Process/ structure relation in liberal analysis International system is conceptualized in terms of structure (pattern of distribution of power) and process (pattern of interaction of units)  Formation of states’ preferences -Structure of the system: provides opportunities and constraints (intensity of international interdependence/ degree of institutionalization of international rules) -Non-structural factors: non-structural incentives (technological advances/ issue density) and opportunities for communication and cooperation  Domestic level of analysis/ simple learning

Comparison with the realist and neo-realist IR theories  Similarities: - Utilitarian conceptualizations of the world: based on the assumption that the individual actors pursue their own interests by responding to incentives - Rational conceptualization: rational international actors  Differences: - Goals of the actors in international politics - The characteristics of the international environment