The Domain of Reciprocity in International Law: An Economic Analysis

This chapter contributes an economic perspective, discussing the role of reciprocity in current international law. Building on the existing game-theoretic literature, this chapter introduces a taxonomy of reciprocity to provide a stylized understanding of the different forms of reciprocity found in international law and to examine whether any of these norms of reciprocity should be recognized as a normative principle for the law of nations. The chapter examines the international law settings where reciprocity constraints can foster optimal outcomes, and where such constraints would instead be ineffective. The analysis suggests that reciprocity is not a panacea for all the strategic problems affecting international relations. However, despite its limits—and occasional failures—reciprocity is a critical mechanism for the functioning of international relations, deserving its continuing recognition as a meta-rule of international law.