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Imperfect adaptation: how the WTO and the IMF adjust to shifting power distributions among their members

Author

Listed:
  • Bernhard Zangl

    (Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich)

  • Frederick Heußner

    (Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich)

  • Andreas Kruck

    (Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich)

  • Xenia Lanzendörfer

    (Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich)

Abstract

How do international institutions adjust to shifting power distributions among their members? We argue that institutional adaptations to the rise of emerging and the decline of established powers are different from what power transition theories (PTTs) would lead us to believe. Institutional adaptations are not impossible, as pessimist PTT variants hold; and they are rarely easy to attain, let alone perfect, as optimist PTT variants imply. To bridge the gap between these versions of PTT, we propose an institutionalist power shift theory (IPST) which combines insights on the conditions and mechanisms of institutional change from functionalist, historical and distributive variants of rational institutionalism. IPST claims that institutional adaptations will succeed or fail depending on whether or not emerging powers are able to undermine the international institution and to make credible threats to this effect. To demonstrate IPST’s plausibility we analyze: (1) how India and Brazil gained the agreement of established powers to their membership in the WTO core negotiation group (“Quad”), which had previously been dominated by developed countries; and (2) how China reached agreement with established powers on (more) even-handed surveillance of IMF members’ financial stability, which, up to then, had focused on developing countries and exchange rate issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernhard Zangl & Frederick Heußner & Andreas Kruck & Xenia Lanzendörfer, 2016. "Imperfect adaptation: how the WTO and the IMF adjust to shifting power distributions among their members," The Review of International Organizations, Springer, vol. 11(2), pages 171-196, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:revint:v:11:y:2016:i:2:d:10.1007_s11558-016-9246-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11558-016-9246-z
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    8. Felicity Vabulas & Duncan Snidal, 2020. "Informal IGOs as Mediators of Power Shifts," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 11(S3), pages 40-50, October.
    9. Sebastian Haug & Rosemary Foot & Max‐Otto Baumann, 2024. "Power shifts in international organisations: China at the United Nations," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 15(S2), pages 5-17, May.
    10. Stephen, Matthew D., 2021. "China's New Multilateral Institutions: A Framework and Research Agenda," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 23(3), pages 807-834.
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    20. Stephen, Matthew D., 2020. "China's new multilateral institutions: A framework and research agenda," Discussion Papers, Research Unit: Global Governance SP IV 2020-102, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Institutional change; Power transition; Rational institutionalism; World Trade Organization (WTO); International Monetary Fund (IMF);
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F5 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy
    • F53 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Agreements and Observance; International Organizations
    • F55 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Institutional Arrangements

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