Session 15 - Institutionalist Theory

The article "The promise of Institutionalist Theory" by Robert Keohane and Lisa Martin is a response by the authors to Mearsheimer's critique of the institutionalist theory as well as his view of realism. The article also talks about the promising future of the Institutionalist theory as well as the many new dimensions that it shows which are yet to be tested against the empirical evidence.

The article notes that Mearsheimer does not believe in the importance of institutions. Infact, his prediction that European Council which is now the European Union and NATO will loose their importance in the future given the threat of Russia is taken out does not even come close to the reality as they are stronger than ever.

Moreover, the authors believe that realism as advocated by Mearsheimer is vague in the sense that it does not specify under what conditions it holds true. In contrast, the institutionalist theory lays down the conditions under which it becomes applicable.

The article stresses the importance of institutions in the international system. It questions the realist view that states will only create and invest in such institutions if they are able to see the advantages that such institutions will provide them and if they see their gains to be greater than those of others. And they will opt out of such institutions if their gains are not clear.

In my view, the realist perspective is too pessimistic and current international scenario also does not validate this view with EU being the perfect example. The fact that many countries have sought its membership and its membership has actually grown lends intitutionalist theory credibility while negating the realist view.