The Systems Approach in Research on International Relations: The WTO Negotiations

Abstract

The general aim of this chapter is to illustrate the potential usability of systems analysis in a social-scientific context, particularly in the study of international relations. This demonstration departs from a recollection of the role systems analysis has had as a traditional approach in modern political science. The principal task of the chapter is to demonstrate the rich potential of the systems approach in research on international relations, particularly when it is used to integrate islands of knowledge into an archipelago of comprehensive understanding of a complex problem area. Thus, two main advantages of systems analysis are emphasized. First of all, it represents a useful analytical approach for scientific analysis when a holistic outlook is desired regarding a problem area. Secondly, systems analysis may also have an important “bridgebuilding” function facilitating communication between academic analysts and policy makers involved together in a problem-solving process concerning highly complex issues. The example offered in this chapter is an assessment of the World Trade Organization (wto), particularly its search for means of making the multilateral trade negotiations more effective, in other words of increasing the capacity of participating states to produce binding, global agreements to eliminate barriers to trade.