A Theory of Master Role Transition: Small Powers Shaping Regional Hegemons

Feliciano de Sá Guimarães' book offers an original application of Role Theory, proposing a theory of master role transitions to explain how small powers can change regional powers' master roles without changing the regional material power distribution. He argues that only a combination of four necessary conditions can produce a full master role transition and tests his model with five case studies in Latin America, Southern Africa, and South Asia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his groundbreaking book,Feliciano de Sá Guimarães presents an innovative application of Role Theory. He offers a compelling theory of master role transitions to elucidate how small powers can effectively alter the dominant roles of regional powers without significantly modifying the regional distribution of material power.

Master role transition refers to the replacement of an actively dominant master role with a dormant or inactive role that exists within an individual's role repertoire. Guimarães argues that a successful master role transition can only occur under the simultaneous fulfillment of four crucial conditions: asymmetrical material interdependence, altercasting, domestic contestation, and regional contestation.

In each of these conditions, a small power employs both material and ideational tools to facilitate a master role transition within the regional power role repertoire. To validate his model, Guimarães examines five case studies from Latin America, Southern Africa, and South Asia: the 2006-2007 Bolivia-Brazil gas crisis, the 2008-2009 Paraguay-Brazil Itaipú Dam crisis, the 2008-2009 Ecuador-Brazil Odebrecht crisis, the 1998 South Africa-Lesotho military intervention crisis, and the 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganges water crisis.

A Theory of Master Role Transition is an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers interested in exploring both theory and methodology in International Relations and foreign policy analysis. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of power transitions and offers insightful insights into the strategies employed by small powers to influence the course of international relations.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367497958