Make Up Blog : Promise of Institutionalist Theory

Keohane and Martin, proponents of the institutionalist theory, argue that Mearsheimer’s critique of institutions actually does a better job in showing why institutions are important rather than why they are not. They argue that states create institutions out of rational thinking. Also, they believe that institutions are the key to cooperation because they provide information (intelligence) necessary to decipher the intentions of other states.

Drawing from E H Carr’s critique on utopianism, the institutionalist theory does appear utopian in some respects. The institutionalist theory proposes that cooperation, transparency and communication within institutions can overcome conflicts and tensions between states. This comes across as utopian because the theory seems to paint a flowery world where simple communication and provision of information can eradicate mistrust and suspicion between states. However, this is not as easy as it may sound. For instance, Keohane and Martin argue that fears of cheating can be mitigated through provision of information. But who is to decide how much information is necessary to create and sustain trust? What kind of information is specifically important to alleviate tensions between states? Also, how can one be certain that the information is reliable and accurate? Here, Keohane and Martin do not specify or elaborate many aspects of institutional functions which can foster cooperation and peace.

However, even though realists believe that institutions are often insignificant, this is not to say that the role of institutions should be discarded altogether from international relations. While the principle of ‘easier said than done’ seems to apply to Keohane and Martin’s depiction of institutionalist theory, institutions can certainly be beneficial in some situations. As Keohane and Martin stated at the end of their response, it is crucial that more in depth research is done on how institutions exert their effects.