Strategic Non-cooperation as Soft Balancing: Why Iraq was not Just about Iraq

Author: Kelley, Judith

Source: International Politics, Volume 42, Number 2, June 2005 , pp. 153-173(21)

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Abstract:

Many commentators explain recent transatlantic rifts by pointing to diverging norms, interests and geopolitical preferences. This paper proceeds from the premise that not all situations of conflict are necessarily due to underlying deadlocked preferences. Rather, non-cooperation may be a strategic form of soft balancing. That is, more generally, if they believe that they are being shortchanged in terms of influence and payoffs, weaker states may deliberately reject possible cooperation in the short run to improve their influence vis-à-vis stronger states in the long run. This need not be due to traditional relative gains concern. States merely calculate that their reputation as a weak negotiator will erode future bargaining power and subsequently their future share of absolute gains. Strategic non-cooperation is therefore a rational signal of resolve. This paper develops the concept of strategic non-cooperation as a soft balancing tool and applies it to the Iraq case in 2002–2003.International Politics (2005) 42, 153–173. doi:10.1057/palgrave.ip.8800105

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.ip.8800105

Affiliations: 1: aTerry Sanford Institute of Public Policy, Duke University, Box 90239, Durham, NC 27708, USA., Email: judith.Kelley@duke.edu

Publication date: 2005-06-01