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Actors, Norms, and Impact

Recent International Cooperation Theory and the Influence of the Agent-Structure Debate

Bibliographic Data

ID6232934
AuthorsKate O''Neill, Kate O’neill (0000-0002-1168-4239, University of California, Berkeley), Kate O'Neill (University of California, Berkeley), Jörg Balsiger (0000-0001-5401-1723, University of California, Berkeley), Stacy D Vandeveer (0000-0001-5941-8020, University of New Hampshire)
Year2004
Volume7
Issue1
Pages149-175
Publication date2004-05-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAnnual Review of Political Science (BOOK_SERIES)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1094-2939 • E-ISSN: 1545-1577
PublisherAnnual Reviews (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1146/annurev.polisci.7.090803.161821
OpenAlexW2162299744
LanguageEN
Citations received49
References cited112

This article reviews three recent developments in international cooperation theory: the introduction of nonstate actors, the study of norms and ideas, and increased examination of the effectiveness, or impact, of international cooperation. Through the lens of the agent-structure debate, we critique the literature that addresses these themes. We argue, first, for a view of structure that goes beyond material properties; second, that more attention could be paid to what distinguishes agency in actors; and third, that this would provide insights into how reflexivity and learning, as well as preference and identity formation, contribute to structural transformation in the international system through iterated processes of cooperation. We also develop ways of applying the agent-structure debate to empirical as well as metatheoretical questions. The article concludes by discussing directions for further research

Agency (philosophy · Economics · Epistemology · Law and economics · Political science · Positive economics · Reflexivity · Social science · Sociology · Structure and agency · International Development and Aid · International Relations and Foreign Policy · Political Conflict and Governance

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Unique citing works49
Citations per year2,13
Citation span2003 - 2025 (23)
Citation velocityrecent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 49
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