A-Z of IR: C is for 'Cooperation' and D is for 'Democracy'

Inspired by the British Academy’s focus on Engaging the Public with Humanities and the Social Sciences (2023), in October 2024, Adrian Gallagher (Leeds) launched an A-Z in International Politics online and free of charge. This 26 part series over 26 weeks introduces key concepts such as A is for Anarchy, B for Balance of Power, C for Cooperation and so forth. They are released on Instagram (Prof_Politics), TikTok (Professor_Politics), LinkedIn, and YouTube (@ProfessorGallagher). 

In the first few months alone, Instagram generated more than 38,000 views, 2000 interactions and 1200 followers, TikTok 22,243 views, YouTube over 1000 views, and LinkedIn around 10,000 views.

This week we look at the letters 'C' and 'D'.

C is for 'Cooperation'

What do we mean by absolute gains vs relative gains approaches in international politics?

Imagine you and a stranger happen to spot a £50 note on the floor. Any way you decide to split it would result in an absolute gain for both parties, leaving you both better off than you were before. However, any split where you receive less than 50% would benefit the stranger more. In that case, the deal would be relatively better for the stranger, putting you in a weaker position. So, why would you accept this?

Under international anarchy, what stops the strongest state from trying to take it all? Liberal theorists point to absolute gains to highlight how cooperation does indeed exist in international politics. Realists tend to point to relative gains and highlight barriers to cooperation.

These dynamics can be seen in anything from climate negotiations to arguments over fishing rights. Which type of gains do you think are more prevalent in international politics?

D is for 'Democracy'

Democracy has been on the decline globally for a while.

Democratic peace theorists point out that democracies don't generally fight each other. The spread of democracy may reduce the likelihood of war. Academics of international politics are split over why this might be the case. It could be that totalitarian leaders have fewer checks and balances, and that democracies see one another as more trustworthy.

Critics often highlight that spreading democracy can make the world less safe, citing a number of interventions by western states and the subsequent instability created. 

Why does the decline of democracy matter? We should not forget that the ballot box is a fundamental check and balance against the abuse of power and gives us a voice in the decision-making process. We should therefore be concerned about democracy worldwide if we also care about international peace and security.

The series returns with the letters 'E' and 'F' next week!

Photo by Robert Stump on Unsplash