Complex interdependence

Explanation

• The extent to which states rely on each other

• Often depicted like a web, as one strand snapping would break the whole thing

• Prevents conflict

3 main characteristics of CI

1. Multiple channels connect societies

2. Absence of hierarchy

3. Military force plays minor role

Mutiple channels

• States not predominant actors

• State-to-state relations AND state-to-non-state-actor relations exist

• All relations transnational

Absence of hierarchy

• Military power and state security doesn’t dominate

• Different issues dominate at different times

• Inadequate policy coordination on diffferent issues has significant costs

Minor role of military force

• Importance of hard power declining

• States — money > war

5 key factors in complex interdependence

1. Non-state actors

2. International law

3. Democracy

4. Trade

5. Globalisation

3 important aspects of trade

1. Binds states in common interests

2. Dependency → ↓likelihood of conflict

3. Allows for peaceful means of gaining from each other’s resources

   • ↓ land-based conflicts

3 types of globalisation

1. Political

2. Economic

3. Social

Political – 3 components

1. ↑ IGOs

2. ↑ collective challenges

3. ↑ NGOs and membership of NGOs

Economic — 3 components

1. ↑ transportation and trade

2. ↑ trade agreements

3. ↑ HIC investment in LICs

Social — 2 components

1. ↑ immigration and therefore ↑ diversity

2. ↑ connection

• E.g. Arab Springs

Case study: 2015 Paris Agreement

• Countries agreed to cooperate due to the fact that climate issues transcend borders

• Negotiations included gov’ts, companies, NGOs

Case study: COVID-19 pandemic – collective response (liberalism)

• New global security threat: health

• Collective response

  • IGOs

  • Gov’ts

  • Pharmaceutical companies sharing data

• European collaboration

  • Sharing vaccines

  • Sharing medical equipment and expertise

  • Transfer of patients across countries for treatment

  • Humanitarian aid – Team Europe; COVAX

Case study: COVID-19 pandemic – isolationist response (realism)

• Trump – America First

  • Pulled USA out of WHO

  • Banned exportation of medical supplies

  • Banned sharing of vaccine technology