Abstract

As the state centric realist approach and other paradigms to the study of international relations appears too limited for explaining an increasingly complex and interdependent world, the need for a search for new ways to organize intellectually and understand international activities arises. This paper attempts to improve on our understanding of international cooperation and social order in the international system through the analysis of the regime theory. Anarchy in the international system does not entail continual chaos, as cooperative international arrangements do exist. Sovereign states have a rational incentive to develop processes for making joint decisions when confronting problems of common interest or common aversions. Also, self interested actors rationally forgo independent decision making and construct regimes. More germane to this paper therefore is the suggestion for transnational and trans-governmental actors in the coordination of activities in the international system.

Key words: Regimes, instrument, world order, international  relations.