Complex Interdependence Theory

Complex Interdependence Complex interdependence in international relations is the concept given by Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye in late 1970s, as a neoliberal critique of the realist view of the world. Thesis The theorists analyze how international politics is transformed by interdependence. According to them, states and their fortunes are inextricably tied together. They argue that post-war ‘complex interdependence’ is qualitatively different from earlier and simpler kinds of interdependence. Previously, international relations were directed by state leaders dealing with other state leaders. The use of military force was always an option in the case of conflict between those national leaders. The ‘high politics’ of security and survival had priority over the ‘low politics’ of economics and social affairs. But under conditions of complex interdependence, that is no longer the case, for given reasons: 1. First, relations between states nowadays are not only or even primarily relations between state leaders; there are relations on many different levels via many different actors and branches of government. 2. Second, there is a host of transnational relations between individuals and groups outside of the state. 3. Third, military force is a less useful instrument of policy under conditions of complex interdependence. They recognized that the various and complex transnational connections and interdependencies between states and societies were increasing, while the use of military force and power balancing are decreasing but remain important. Most importantly, they differentiated between interdependence and dependence in analyzing the role of power in politics and the relations between international actors. Core Characteristics Complex interdependence is characterized by three characteristics: 1. Involving the use of multiple channels of action between societies in interstate, transgovernmental, and transnational relations 2. The absence of a hierarchy of issues with changing agendas and linkages between issues prioritized 3. The objective of bringing about a decline in the use of military force and coercive power in international relations. Main Argument Nye and Keohane thus argue that decrease in the use of military force as a policy tool and the increase in economic and other forms of interdependence should increase the probability of cooperation among states. The work of the theorists surfaced in the 1970s to become a significant challenge to political realist theory and became foundational to current theories of liberalism (international relations), neoliberalism and liberal institutionalism. Traditional critiques of liberalism alongside critiques of political realism, is that they both ignore the social nature of relations between states and the social fabric of international society. Multiple Channels Multiple channels that are present in complex interdependence are 1. “Informal ties between governmental elites as well as formal foreign office arrangements”. 2. “Informal ties among nongovernmental elites where contact usually happen either faceto-face or through telecommunication”. 3. "Transnational organizations" which include organizations such as multinational banks or corporations. A simpler way of thinking of these concepts is by condensing them by calling them interstate, transgovernmental and transnational relations. Therefore, these channels can be a way of communication for states and are a big part of complex interdependence. Where: 1. Interstate relations are thought to be "normal channels" by realists. It is also known as "horizontal dimensions of federalism. 2. Transgovernmental relations "applies when we relax the realist assumption that states act coherently as units. Crane Liberals believe that states can work together in order to enhance interdependence. 3. Transnational relations "applies when we relax the assumption that states are the only units. This is more of the liberal point of view that is evident throughout international relations, because of the belief of institutions. Criticisms 1. 2. 3. 4. Relevence of theory in the post-colonial world Assumes growth and development as equal and intrinsic to all state Neoimperialism/neocolonialism relevent. Closer to the realist theory in taking states as rational, not moral, actorsneoliberal/neorealist epistemology is the same. 5. disregards military issues between states 6. sates look at relative gain (where one state want to gain more in relevent to other state), not absolute ( having equal gains on both sides) gains- neorealist criticism. 7. Institutions adn regimes reflect the distribution of power in international politics Mearsheimer.