Seeking International Authorization for the Projection of Military Force
36 Pages Posted: 1 Aug 2011 Last revised: 1 Sep 2011
Date Written: 2011
Abstract
Why do states seek authorization from international organizations when they project military force? Why have they done so more often since the end of the Cold War than before? And why, in particular, has the United States, despite its predominance of power, been willing to do so? These questions reflect three puzzles for extant theories of international relations. This paper documents the empirical changes in the frequency and circumstances under which states seek authorization for the projection of military force from international organizations. Building on existing theory, the project develops a range of hypotheses with respect to when we should expect states to seek authorization and what effect changes in systemic circumstances, such as the end of the Cold War, should have on such authorization-seeking behavior. I then test these hypotheses and put forth explanations to these questions.
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