Leverage and Cooperation in the US World Order: The Shrewd Sheriff

The US has maintained a unique system of partnerships and alliances since World War II, seeking compliance and consensus from its partners. Giacomo Chiozza suggests that the answer depends on the domestic political institutions that structure US relations with the incumbent leaders in the partner nations, which can foster political successors and allow for regular and flexible channels of leadership turnover, leading to better governance and more respect for human rights.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The United States has established a distinctive system of partnerships and alliances, known as the US world order, since the end of World War II. This order has aimed to achieve compliance and consensus from its partners while seeking to maintain friendly relations. However, the success of the US in achieving these goals has varied over time.

Giacomo Chiozza suggests that the variation in hegemonic leadership can be attributed to the domestic political institutions that shape US relations with the incumbent leaders in partner nations. These institutions play a crucial role in determining the extent to which the US can sustain friendly relations.

One factor that contributes to the variation in hegemonic leadership is the presence of domestic political institutions that foster the emergence of political successors. When political institutions promote the rotation of leadership, it becomes easier for the US to maintain friendly relations with its partners. This is because it avoids the potential for conflicts and instability that may arise from the prolonged rule of a single leader.

On the other hand, institutions that allow for regular and flexible channels of leadership turnover also create domestic political incentives that promote better governance and greater respect for human rights. When leaders are held accountable for their actions and are able to be replaced easily, there is a greater incentive for them to prioritize the needs and interests of their citizens. This can lead to improvements in the overall quality of governance and the protection of human rights within partner nations.

However, it is important to note that the relationship between domestic political institutions and hegemonic leadership is complex and multifaceted. Different factors, such as economic interests, cultural values, and geopolitical considerations, can also influence the dynamics of US-partner relations.

In conclusion, the US world order has been shaped by a combination of factors, including the presence of domestic political institutions that foster political successors and allow for regular and flexible channels of leadership turnover. These institutions create both challenges and opportunities for the US in its efforts to maintain friendly relations with its partners. While they can promote better governance and greater respect for human rights, they can also create domestic political incentives that may hinder the attainment of US hegemonic leadership. As the world continues to evolve, it will be important for the US to adapt its policies and strategies to ensure that it can continue to play a dominant role in the global order while promoting the well-being and prosperity of its partners.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009355063