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Cooperation and Discord in the World Political Economy: A Historical Review

Dion Reed

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Published in After Hegemony: Cooperation And Discord In The World Political Economy

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The world political economy is a complex and ever-changing system of relationships between states, markets, and societies. These relationships are characterized by both cooperation and discord, and the balance between these two forces has a profound impact on the global economy and on the world at large.

After Hegemony: Cooperation and Discord in the World Political Economy

by Robert O. Keohane

4.4 out of 5

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In this article, we will explore the historical evolution of cooperation and discord in the world political economy, from the early days of globalization to the present day. We will examine the factors that have driven cooperation and discord, as well as the impact that these forces have had on the global economy and on the world at large.

The Early Days of Globalization

The early days of globalization were characterized by a high degree of cooperation between states. This cooperation was driven by a number of factors, including the need for security, the desire for economic growth, and the spread of liberal ideas.

The need for security was a major factor in the development of cooperation between states in the early days of globalization. As states became increasingly interconnected, they realized that they needed to work together to maintain peace and stability. This led to the development of a number of international institutions, such as the League of Nations and the United Nations, which were designed to promote cooperation between states.

The desire for economic growth was another major factor in the development of cooperation between states in the early days of globalization. As states became increasingly industrialized, they realized that they needed to cooperate with each other in order to access raw materials and markets. This led to the development of a number of international economic organizations, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which were designed to promote economic cooperation between states.

The spread of liberal ideas was also a major factor in the development of cooperation between states in the early days of globalization. Liberal ideas, such as the belief in individual liberty, democracy, and free trade, led to the development of a number of international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization, which were designed to promote cooperation between states on the basis of these principles.

The Rise of Nationalism

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of nationalism, which led to a decline in cooperation between states. Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and sovereignty. It led to a number of conflicts between states, including the First World War and the Second World War.

The rise of nationalism was driven by a number of factors, including the industrial revolution, the spread of education, and the growth of mass media. The industrial revolution led to the development of new technologies, which made it possible for states to produce more goods and services than ever before. This led to increased competition between states for resources and markets.

The spread of education led to the development of a more informed and literate population. This led to an increase in political awareness and a greater demand for self-determination.

The growth of mass media led to the development of a more interconnected world. This led to a greater awareness of the differences between states and a greater desire for national identity.

The Cold War

The Cold War was a period of intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. This rivalry led to a number of conflicts, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

The Cold War was driven by a number of factors, including the ideological differences between the United States and the Soviet Union, the desire for global dominance, and the fear of nuclear war.

The ideological differences between the United States and the Soviet Union were a major factor in the Cold War. The United States was a capitalist democracy, while the Soviet Union was a communist dictatorship. These two systems of government were fundamentally incompatible, and they led to a number of conflicts between the two superpowers.

The desire for global dominance was also a major factor in the Cold War. The United States and the Soviet Union both wanted to be the world's leading superpower. This led to a number of conflicts between the two superpowers, as they competed for control of resources and markets.

The fear of nuclear war was also a major factor in the Cold War. The United States and the Soviet Union both had nuclear weapons, and they both feared that a nuclear war would destroy the world. This fear led to a number of arms control agreements between the two superpowers, but it also led to a number of crises, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The End of the Cold War

The Cold War ended in 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union. This led to a period of increased cooperation between states. This cooperation was driven by a number of factors, including the end of the ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, the desire for economic growth, and the spread of democratic values.

The end of the ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union was a major factor in the increase in cooperation between states after the Cold War. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the end of the communist threat, and this removed a major source of tension between the United States and its allies.

The desire for economic growth was also a major factor in the increase in cooperation between states after the Cold War. The end of the Cold War led to a period of global economic growth, as states were able to cooperate more closely on economic issues.

The spread of democratic values was also a major factor in the increase in cooperation between states after the Cold War. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the spread of democracy in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. This led to a number of new democracies, which were more willing to cooperate with each other and with the United States.

The 21st Century

The 21st century has been a period of both cooperation and discord in the world political economy. On the one hand, there has been a continued increase in cooperation between states. This cooperation has been driven by a number of factors, including the rise of global trade, the spread of technology, and the growing interdependence of states.

On the other hand, there has also been a rise in discord in the world political economy. This discord has been driven by a number of factors, including the rise of nationalism, the spread of protectionism, and the growth of inequality.

The rise of nationalism has been a major factor in the discord in the world political economy in the 21st century. Nationalism has led to a number of conflicts between states, including the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan.

The spread of protectionism has also been a major factor in the discord in the world political economy in the 21st century. Protectionism is a trade policy that restricts the import of goods and services from other countries. It has been used by a number of states to protect their domestic industries from foreign competition.

The growth of inequality has also been a major factor in the discord in the world political economy in the 21st century. Inequality has been increasing both within countries and between countries. This has led to a number of social and political problems, which have contributed to the discord in the world political economy.

In this article, we have explored the historical evolution of cooperation and discord in the world political economy, from the early days of globalization to the present day. We have examined the factors that have driven cooperation and discord, as well as the impact that these forces have had on the global economy and on the world at large.

The future of cooperation and discord in the world political economy is uncertain. However, it is clear that these two forces will continue to shape the global economy and the world at large for years to come.

After Hegemony: Cooperation and Discord in the World Political Economy

by Robert O. Keohane

4.4 out of 5