A Model of International Interaction in Western Europe

Some features of international interaction patterns in Western Europe are examined both theoretically and empirically. Firstly some essential differences between sociological theories and their implications in the study of interaction are considered. The theory selected pre supposes a structure made up of two classes opposing the interests of the poor and the rich countries, and with a lack of pluralism in the forms of interaction among the members of the system.'The West' was defined as all the NATO countries and those countries in Europe not be longing to the Warsaw Treaty Organization. The data consist of the number of memberships of 'the West' in International Governmental Organizations (IGO), in International Non- Governmental Organizations (INGO), and in Business International Organizations (BINGO) of each country.The results indicate that the interaction patterns form a hierarchical chain: IGO→INGO→ BINGO. Interaction is stratified according to the wealth of the countries. IGO-memberships can be expressed as the function of GNP, and INGO-memberships as the function of GNP/ capita. BINGO-memberships have some curious features. The dispersion of trade and the voting activity in national elections correlates differently with BINGOs than other forms of interaction. Finally, some implications are dealt with.