Cooperation and Protracted Conflict in International Affairs: Cycles of Reciprocity

This book addresses two main questions: under what conditions does reciprocity fail to produce cooperation?; and when do reciprocal dynamics lead to negative, instead of positive, cycles? Answering these questions is important for both scholars and practitioners of international negotiations and politics. The main argument of this project is that positive tit-for-tat (TFT) and negative reciprocal cycles are two possible outcomes originating from the same basic process of reciprocity. It is important to acknowledge both possibilities and understand when a situation is going to develop into one or the other outcome. The study then calls for a broader discussion of reciprocity in international relations (IR). Specifically, IR should include the negative and more problematic side of reciprocity. To exemplify this, the book provides a detailed analysis of two case studies: border and maritime disputes between China and Vietnam; and Mexico and Guatemala.

Author: Anat Niv-Solomon

Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan

Publication Date: Nov 10, 2016

Number of Pages: 118 pages

Binding: Hardback or Cased Book

ISBN-10: 3319458043

ISBN-13: 9783319458045