session 22 :bureacratic or state centric?

While we say that the bureaucratic model theory was interesting and realistic as per present scenario of transnational system across the globe, Joseph S. Nye, Jr. and Robert O. Keohan have tried to divert our attention from bureaucratic point of view towards the state centric view in International relations.

The reason being not just to criticize one model and propagating the other, but to make it easier for the people to identify when state centric view takes precedence and when transnationalism supersedes the state centric view. The main contention of this write-up is that state centric view supersedes the transnational view point when it comes to high end politics like states concerns regarding War, status and security. This view particularly describes the politics of United States where we see different political stance of the state when it comes to viewing the third world countries as per state centric view and transnational view.  For instance, state wants security and more while the Multi nationals want more money and influence within the state. Here the interest of the two collides. We can see this scenario as a zero sum game where if there are more invasions and attacks by United States across the globe, the subsidies and benefits available to the Multi nationals would be less than that which is expected by the Multinational companies. So I think this idea is valid and this theory holds some ground.

It is also claimed in this theory that although states can emerge to be all powerful than these multinationals and that the leadership of executives can decide on their without considering the influence of these multinationals, that action might inflict heavy costs to the state in terms of technology and communication advances. The trust gap between states and companies might cost the state too much. A particular example of this is Bhutto’s nationalization policy in Pakistan. It deteriorated all the economic structure and trust of investors in the country which hindered the growth of the country..

The theory proposed by Joseph S. Nye, Jr. and Robert O. Keohan actually makes sense and it gives a new dimension to think relations transnationals’ and states.

~UZAIR MUJEEB