International Organizations (I.O.s) and Power in Global Governance

How do Realists view International Organizations (I.O.s)?

As tools of powerful states that prioritize sovereignty and relative gains over multilateralism. Example: NATO as a U.S. tool during the Cold War.

What are relative gains in international relations?

States prioritize their own gains over mutual benefits in cooperation, fearing that allies may become future threats.

What is the Security Dilemma?

A situation where states’ efforts to enhance security (e.g., through military buildup) trigger fear and competition among other states.

What does Neo-Liberal Institutionalism argue about I.O.s?

That I.O.s reduce transaction costs, facilitate cooperation, and mitigate anarchy through repeated interactions (e.g., Shadow of the Future).

What is the “Shadow of the Future”?

The idea that repeated interactions reduce the likelihood of defection in cooperation (e.g., Prisoner’s Dilemma).

How does Critical Theory view I.O.s?

As perpetuating global inequalities by maintaining capitalist hegemony and core-periphery dynamics.

What are core-periphery dynamics?

Global inequalities where core countries (e.g., U.S., EU) dominate peripheral countries (e.g., Global South) economically and politically.

How do Constructivists view power in I.O.s?

As multifaceted, including compulsory, institutional, structural, and productive forms that shape norms and state behavior.

What is compulsory power?

Direct control exercised by one actor over another (e.g., military force or economic sanctions).

What is institutional power?

Indirect control through rules and institutions that shape long-term advantages for some actors and disadvantages for others.

What is structural power?

Power dynamics based on positioning in global systems (e.g., core vs. periphery countries).

What is productive power?

The ability to shape social norms, identities, and knowledge (e.g., labeling groups as “terrorists” or “civilized”).

How does NATO exemplify Realist views of I.O.s?

As a tool for U.S. security during the Cold War, prioritizing American interests and relative gains.

How does the IMF reflect Neo-Liberal Institutionalism?

By advancing neoliberal policies under the guise of objectivity and science, reducing transaction costs for global economic cooperation.

What are the four faces of power according to Barnett and Duvall?

Compulsory, institutional, structural, and productive power.

How can resistance manifest in global governance?

Through compulsory (rejecting unipolarity), institutional (changing rules), structural (solidarity networks), and productive (decolonization) forms.

What is hegemony in international relations?

Dominance by powerful states or groups, maintained through economic, military, and ideational power.

How does the Prisoner’s Dilemma apply to I.O.s?

It illustrates the challenges of cooperation and defection in an anarchic system, mitigated by repeated interactions (Shadow of the Future).

Give an example of productive power.

Labeling groups as “terrorists” or “civilized” to shape global perceptions and norms.

Why do Realists argue NATO remains relevant?

As a deterrent against Russian aggression and a tool for U.S. strategic interests, despite the end of the Cold War.