Like most realists, I see the growth of institutions to be an extension of the existing power structure established by the most powerful states. Yes, there has been a large increase in cooperation, but on the terms of the most powerful. As this system become more and more established, all of the states will continue to follow this comfortable structure. This system provides security and economic stability for those who cooperate.
The predictability of this system is what I believe will cause it to prevail over the other three. With each area of global interaction, the rules have become more and more established and the accepted behavior of states has become more standardized. Economic disputes are settled within the WTO and the adherence to its rulings is extremely, especially when considering the lack of enforcement. The number of states who have given authority to the ICC is overwhelming, the trade cooperation of the EU is unprecedented, and the UN continues to serve as a forum for facilitating almost all major international and diplomatic activity. With this level of cooperation and satisfaction among both the most and least powerful states, I think that the hegemonic institutions are even more likely to remain than ever before.
But many realists wouldn't quite buy hegemonic institutions because they do not think that the institutions have any pull on their own. They would agree that the powerful set up institutions, but they think these institutions will have no effect outside of what powerful states want. The proponents of hegemonic institutions would argue that the institutions have power on their own even if they are backed by military might.
ReplyDeleteChelsey - I agree that many institutions are becoming more entrenched over time and it is difficult to envision any of the major ones collapsing or falling by the wayside within a short time frame. However, with the rise of new economic powers I believe there is an opportunity for new *kinds* of institutions to emerge, headed by the states that are leaders in those areas. For example, institutions focusing on cyberspace and e-commerce are likely to gain strength. Which states will form and buttress those?
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