Follow the leader : unilateralism and cooperation in military alliances

• Main Author: Cruz, Araceli.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: McGill University 2006
• Subjects: Alliances.; United States > Foreign relations > 2001-2009.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=98917

The rise of the United States as the dominant actor in international affairs since the end of the Cold War has motivated the development of theories of leadership and hegemony. Additionally, new questions about the role of unilateralism have emerged, following the events of September 11, 2001, and the recent U.S.-led war in Iraq. However, despite the emphasis on leadership and unilateralism, the applied research using these concepts has not kept pace with their increasing importance in today's world. In this context, this paper develops a framework that conceptualizes leadership as having two main components: (1) the structural capabilities that provide the context for leadership; and (2) the unilateral contributions and commitments that constitute the exercise of leadership. This framework will be used to understand trends in alliance formation and the implications of leadership for the institutionalization of alliances.