Previous Research in International Relations

Abstract

Previous research in international relations associated with this study is vast and sometimes controversial. Not all of it will be reviewed here, but some important literature will be discussed in the context of this study while linking it with organization theory and the wider body of management research, where applicable; some analogous work in the field of international relations has been done in parallel with management research. Also, I will build on previous research with some of my own insights. First, I will explain what this previous research has in common with this study and then discuss it. As a brief recapitulation, this study examines the effects of international networks on cooperation in a focal forum; underlying this cooperation could be bargaining, reciprocal behavior and compliance, shared information from trusted sources, or homophily—meaning that similar entities gravitate toward each other on the basis of their commonalities; also, they communicate well and, thereby, affect each other. Dealings may be explicit or cooperation may not entail direct communication and could be motivated by international norms, expectations, or indirect influence.