Internationalism Coercion And Accommodation Summary
Introduction
The Logic of Internationalism: Coercion and Accommodation by Kjell Goldmann approaches international relations from a completely different perspective. Goldman argues throughout the book that the key to the success of mankind can rely solely on the idea of internationalism. Internationalism is the increase in cooperation between nations in many aspects of a relationship. These may include economics, institution building and any further cooperation leading towards peace between the two nations. He believes that interaction and institutions are related to peace and security and therefore should be examined. Many believe that internationalism cannot be achieved and is unrealistic due to the fact that international relations …show more content…
are naturally characterized by conflict, tension, and war. However, Goldmann believes that through the right processes and correct approaches internationalism is plausible and would be highly beneficial to those countries working for it. Rather than completely preventing war and conflict, internationalists believe that through organization, law, exchange, and communication there is a tendency to inhibit both. Goldmann’s theory of internationalism is shown and described through two parts: coercion and accommodation.
Coercion
The coercion aspect of the internationalist theory is made up of four parts: law, organization, communication, and exchange. Although all four parts play a role in coercion theory, law and organization are the primary methods while communication and exchange support the two. The overall goal of coercion theory is to make governments stray away from the development of war regardless of how much the self-interest between each nation clashes.
The first and main method is through international law and “law-like” rules that contribute to the creation of rules limiting lawful action during conflict, classify norms between nations, and to increase the tendency for countries to follow the rules set up even if they conflict with their own self-interest and objectives. World opinion plays a major role in the compliance area of law because it can act as a pressure group and sanctioner, whereas communication internationally helps provide this role of world opinion.
International organizations also play an important role in the conservation of peace in an internationalist world. Through these organizations, there is hope to provide four services. They are wished to contribute to agenda setting, norm-setting, dispute settlement, and lastly by substituting nations as members of an allegiance. Although the latter two are described with coercive internationalism, Goldmann associates them more towards accommodative theory.
The third basis of coercion theory is exchange.
This can easily be described as the exchange of goods and services between two nations. Exchange brings about relationships that neither country would like to sacrifice during conflict and war. It is meant to reduce the chance of war between nations by making them dependent on one another for resources, goods, and services, and by increasing the complexity of international relations. As a general idea, exchange states that more international exchange means less chances of conflict. Dependence on trade and exchange increases the vulnerability of a country towards economic sanctions. Thus, resulting in the increased likelihood of compliance with laws and regulations set forth by international organizations.
Lastly, communication backs the coercive theory. “The mere coming together of statesmen and students, businessmen and scholars from different countries, and the mere sharing of ideas across borders are widely seen as contributions to peace and security” (pg. 43). Similar to law, international opinion can be influenced by communication. Communication increases the openness of societies to exchange information and boosts the chances of internationalism. …show more content…
Accommodation
Accommodation internationalist theory focuses mainly on the use of exchange and communication rather than the importance of law and organization. However, law and organization do play a role in the application of this theory. The main idea of this theory is based upon avoiding conflict between nations by a means of mutual understanding and compromise.
Communication in this sense has two goals: diminish misperceptions and increase empathy. Communication between nations allows for each country’s governments and citizens to be well informed about the interests and cultures of the other. This in turn, reduces the inconsistency of interests between the two nations. It is found that many countries fear and hate other countries because of unrealistic views and imagined reasons. Therefore increased communication to eliminate misconceptions would enhance the relationships between two nations. Many believe that it is good for peace that countries empathize with one another by understanding where others may be coming from. By seeing others’ points of view it may allow governments and nations to see eye to eye and avoid conflict as a whole.
Although exchange is regarded as a part of coercive theory, accommodation theory includes other aspects that the former does not entail. Goldmann describes Richard Cobden’s ideas that trading stations, stores and factories are all part of a system of peace eliminating differences in race, ethnicity and language and uniting one another. Exchange creates “...bonds between nations that are based not only on the deterrent effect of dependence but also on a growing communality of interest” (pg. 48). Complex international dependence on a variety of countries is viewed to reduce the incompatibility of interests between actors. International interests become more important and replace a nation’s own individual interests.
Contrary to coercion theory, organizations enable internationalism through settling disputes and forming allegiances rather than setting agendas and norms. International organizations can pressure two actors to settle their disagreement peacefully. The organizations themselves can act as mediators by setting the negotiations between the parties and having them arrive at an agreement. Also, they may be able to supervise countries to ensure that truces are being held and overlook peace keeping operations. Through the creation of allegiances through organizations, citizens of a nation may start to associate themselves with the international organization rather than their own nation-state. Consequently, this makes it much more difficult for governments to gain support of citizens to move towards conflict with other nations.
Internationalists’ Dilemma
The ideas of law, organization, communication and exchange all have been questioned regarding problems associated with these ideas. It brings about the Internationalists’ Dilemma which describes the clashing of ideas between the coercion and accommodation theories. The dilemma describes how internationalists must be able to “ostracize and to empathize” rather than choose between one another. It is the role of internationalist organizations to support the just and punish the unjust. However, it is also their role to examine the point of view of all involved in the conflict and search for a compromise between them. This is to restrict conflict from escalating and to conserve the international organizations reputation as understanding and accommodating to all involved.
An example of this dilemma arises from the conflict in 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait. The UN Security Council determined that these actions by Iraq were portrayed as a breach of peace and international security. At first they had demanded Iraq remove all forces out of Kuwait immediately but could not decide whether or not to use military force. Four views were created on this situation: coercive nationalism, coercive internationalism, accommodative nationalism, and accommodative internationalism. Coercive nationalism is using coercive theory however, by one nation, in this case the United States. The same applies for accommodative nationalism.
Two ways exist in order to lessen the impact of the internationalist’s dilemma. The first involves the demonstration that internationalism is not morally convincing. Instead it is more of politically enhancing. The other way is to establish a plan or method, for when conflict has been created, to establish when it is right to ostracize and when to empathize.
Self-Reflection
The Logic of Internationalism: Coercion and Accommodation by Kjell Goldmann is a very interesting book.
Not many times when I read books I find what I am reading interesting. This book was not complicated and difficult to understand like most political science books are for someone with little background in the area. What I really found interesting was the two theories: coercion and accommodation. They each involved similar aspects through law, organization, communication and exchange but both offered many differences from one another. I thought it was very unique how they all were in some way linked to each other, simultaneously contributing to the different ideas and methods of approaching
internationalism.
The theory of internationalism itself was also fascinating. I enjoyed reading about how countries can work together economically, socially, and politically to maintain order and peace on Earth. I believe it is definitely an achievable concept and through the right programs and people can one day contribute to the preservation of peace worldwide. The way in which Goldmann also stated the dilemma related to internationalist theory was a good contribution to the book. By providing readers with the dilemma, it can allow them to open up their minds to help find ways to maybe help these theories in the future. It absolutely stimulated my mind and made me think about how so many global problems can be solved through internationalism. The more countries work together the better off mankind will be in the future. This could contribute to science and technology, health, education, and so many other things. I think that more and more people should read this book and books describing the theory of internationalism because I really believe it could someday help preserve our planet.
The Logic of Internationalism: Coercion and Accommodation by Kjell Goldmann approaches international relations from a completely different perspective. Goldman argues throughout the book that the key to the success of mankind can rely solely on the idea of internationalism. Internationalism is the increase in cooperation between nations in many aspects of a relationship. These may include economics, institution building and any further cooperation leading towards peace between the two nations. He believes that interaction and institutions are related to peace and security and therefore should be examined. Many believe that internationalism cannot be achieved and is unrealistic due to the fact that international relations …show more content…
are naturally characterized by conflict, tension, and war. However, Goldmann believes that through the right processes and correct approaches internationalism is plausible and would be highly beneficial to those countries working for it. Rather than completely preventing war and conflict, internationalists believe that through organization, law, exchange, and communication there is a tendency to inhibit both. Goldmann’s theory of internationalism is shown and described through two parts: coercion and accommodation.
Coercion
The coercion aspect of the internationalist theory is made up of four parts: law, organization, communication, and exchange. Although all four parts play a role in coercion theory, law and organization are the primary methods while communication and exchange support the two. The overall goal of coercion theory is to make governments stray away from the development of war regardless of how much the self-interest between each nation clashes.
The first and main method is through international law and “law-like” rules that contribute to the creation of rules limiting lawful action during conflict, classify norms between nations, and to increase the tendency for countries to follow the rules set up even if they conflict with their own self-interest and objectives. World opinion plays a major role in the compliance area of law because it can act as a pressure group and sanctioner, whereas communication internationally helps provide this role of world opinion.
International organizations also play an important role in the conservation of peace in an internationalist world. Through these organizations, there is hope to provide four services. They are wished to contribute to agenda setting, norm-setting, dispute settlement, and lastly by substituting nations as members of an allegiance. Although the latter two are described with coercive internationalism, Goldmann associates them more towards accommodative theory.
The third basis of coercion theory is exchange.
This can easily be described as the exchange of goods and services between two nations. Exchange brings about relationships that neither country would like to sacrifice during conflict and war. It is meant to reduce the chance of war between nations by making them dependent on one another for resources, goods, and services, and by increasing the complexity of international relations. As a general idea, exchange states that more international exchange means less chances of conflict. Dependence on trade and exchange increases the vulnerability of a country towards economic sanctions. Thus, resulting in the increased likelihood of compliance with laws and regulations set forth by international organizations.
Lastly, communication backs the coercive theory. “The mere coming together of statesmen and students, businessmen and scholars from different countries, and the mere sharing of ideas across borders are widely seen as contributions to peace and security” (pg. 43). Similar to law, international opinion can be influenced by communication. Communication increases the openness of societies to exchange information and boosts the chances of internationalism. …show more content…
Accommodation
Accommodation internationalist theory focuses mainly on the use of exchange and communication rather than the importance of law and organization. However, law and organization do play a role in the application of this theory. The main idea of this theory is based upon avoiding conflict between nations by a means of mutual understanding and compromise.
Communication in this sense has two goals: diminish misperceptions and increase empathy. Communication between nations allows for each country’s governments and citizens to be well informed about the interests and cultures of the other. This in turn, reduces the inconsistency of interests between the two nations. It is found that many countries fear and hate other countries because of unrealistic views and imagined reasons. Therefore increased communication to eliminate misconceptions would enhance the relationships between two nations. Many believe that it is good for peace that countries empathize with one another by understanding where others may be coming from. By seeing others’ points of view it may allow governments and nations to see eye to eye and avoid conflict as a whole.
Although exchange is regarded as a part of coercive theory, accommodation theory includes other aspects that the former does not entail. Goldmann describes Richard Cobden’s ideas that trading stations, stores and factories are all part of a system of peace eliminating differences in race, ethnicity and language and uniting one another. Exchange creates “...bonds between nations that are based not only on the deterrent effect of dependence but also on a growing communality of interest” (pg. 48). Complex international dependence on a variety of countries is viewed to reduce the incompatibility of interests between actors. International interests become more important and replace a nation’s own individual interests.
Contrary to coercion theory, organizations enable internationalism through settling disputes and forming allegiances rather than setting agendas and norms. International organizations can pressure two actors to settle their disagreement peacefully. The organizations themselves can act as mediators by setting the negotiations between the parties and having them arrive at an agreement. Also, they may be able to supervise countries to ensure that truces are being held and overlook peace keeping operations. Through the creation of allegiances through organizations, citizens of a nation may start to associate themselves with the international organization rather than their own nation-state. Consequently, this makes it much more difficult for governments to gain support of citizens to move towards conflict with other nations.
Internationalists’ Dilemma
The ideas of law, organization, communication and exchange all have been questioned regarding problems associated with these ideas. It brings about the Internationalists’ Dilemma which describes the clashing of ideas between the coercion and accommodation theories. The dilemma describes how internationalists must be able to “ostracize and to empathize” rather than choose between one another. It is the role of internationalist organizations to support the just and punish the unjust. However, it is also their role to examine the point of view of all involved in the conflict and search for a compromise between them. This is to restrict conflict from escalating and to conserve the international organizations reputation as understanding and accommodating to all involved.
An example of this dilemma arises from the conflict in 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait. The UN Security Council determined that these actions by Iraq were portrayed as a breach of peace and international security. At first they had demanded Iraq remove all forces out of Kuwait immediately but could not decide whether or not to use military force. Four views were created on this situation: coercive nationalism, coercive internationalism, accommodative nationalism, and accommodative internationalism. Coercive nationalism is using coercive theory however, by one nation, in this case the United States. The same applies for accommodative nationalism.
Two ways exist in order to lessen the impact of the internationalist’s dilemma. The first involves the demonstration that internationalism is not morally convincing. Instead it is more of politically enhancing. The other way is to establish a plan or method, for when conflict has been created, to establish when it is right to ostracize and when to empathize.
Self-Reflection
The Logic of Internationalism: Coercion and Accommodation by Kjell Goldmann is a very interesting book.
Not many times when I read books I find what I am reading interesting. This book was not complicated and difficult to understand like most political science books are for someone with little background in the area. What I really found interesting was the two theories: coercion and accommodation. They each involved similar aspects through law, organization, communication and exchange but both offered many differences from one another. I thought it was very unique how they all were in some way linked to each other, simultaneously contributing to the different ideas and methods of approaching
internationalism.
The theory of internationalism itself was also fascinating. I enjoyed reading about how countries can work together economically, socially, and politically to maintain order and peace on Earth. I believe it is definitely an achievable concept and through the right programs and people can one day contribute to the preservation of peace worldwide. The way in which Goldmann also stated the dilemma related to internationalist theory was a good contribution to the book. By providing readers with the dilemma, it can allow them to open up their minds to help find ways to maybe help these theories in the future. It absolutely stimulated my mind and made me think about how so many global problems can be solved through internationalism. The more countries work together the better off mankind will be in the future. This could contribute to science and technology, health, education, and so many other things. I think that more and more people should read this book and books describing the theory of internationalism because I really believe it could someday help preserve our planet.