Helen Milner in this week’s article dissects the importance
of one of the core principle features of international politics in the
discipline of International Relations, which is anarchy. Milner dares to
disagree with the leading theorists such as Robert Art and Robert Jervis who
claim anarchy to be the “fundamental fact of international relations,” rather
she highlights another important aspect, which is the interdependence between
the states in the international arena. Milner also discusses the dichotomy between
the domestic and international policies.
In her article, Milner has made it clear that
interdependence is not the opposite of anarchy. It is not a completely novel
idea, which she is throwing in. A lot of other theorists previously have
brushed upon this topic; she’s just properly conceptualizing it. She talks
about the notion of structural dependence, whereby the ability of one
participant to achieve gains is dependent on the choices and the actions of the
other participant. This concept has various implications on the international
arena of politics. The Nash equilibrium, or the game theatrical model of
prisoner’s dilemma, also explains the concept of interdependence. Through the
concept of interdependence, a lot of international conflicts arisen by
“anarchy” can be mitigated. While anarchy gives us a picture of why certain
states act in a particular way, without really providing a solution to international
problems, through the help of interdependence, a lot of rising hostilities or
wars can be prevented. This would be possible because the states would think
twice about the ramifications of breaking their collusion or understanding with
the other state. Grave consequences due to the interdependence would aid in maintaining
stability in the world order.
Helen Milner has provided us with quite an efficacious
concept to add to the concept of anarchy, which describes the international
system. Now with this addition, the
actions and reactions of the states in the international system can be
understood more properly.
I agree that interdependence is critical component that helps us understand how the international system works. Anarchy should not be viewed as the exclusive cause of state behavior within the international system, as other factors also come into play.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your analysis but it is also important to know that interdependence is usually done with some sacrifice to a state’s sovereignty in order to enjoy the benefits that come with it.
ReplyDeleteGreat point.
DeleteThe way you have introduced the Nash equilibrium to put economic interdependence into perspective is very interesting. Economic interdependence makes countries collude as a result of which anarchy is mitigated and an order of strategic dependence is established. On a macro level, all self-interested nations strive to create an order which will serve their interests which is similar to a micro level scenario where non-state actors collude and form some sort of an order within a state to benefit from rent-seeking behavior.
ReplyDelete