Power & Interdependence -

The less-dependent state often has more in negotiations.

The core of the "Power and Interdependence" framework, pioneered by Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye , suggests that the traditional "Realist" view of international relations—where states are the only actors and military force is the primary currency of power—is increasingly insufficient in a globalised world. I. The Shift to Complex Interdependence Power & Interdependence

Traditional international relations often focus on "high politics" (security and survival). Keohane and Nye introduced to describe a world where: The less-dependent state often has more in negotiations

: Military security no longer consistently dominates. Economic, environmental, and social issues (often called "low politics") are frequently at the forefront of national agendas. As countries become more intertwined, they create —sets

As countries become more intertwined, they create —sets of rules, norms, and procedures that govern specific issue areas (like the World Trade Organization for trade).

In this framework, power is not just about who has the biggest army. It is about —the degree to which one party depends on another. Sensitivity vs. Vulnerability