Reciprocity in International Relations

The aim of this chapter is to provide a background for next authors as to how reciprocity functions in international relations. Thus, this chapter focuses on the role of reciprocity in international relations more generally, separate from its role, and function in international law. The chapter will introduce reciprocity as a working concept in international relations, beginning with a definition using the two concepts of contingency and equivalence. Contingency means that reciprocity is a conditional action and depends on the action-reaction of the other side. Reciprocity therefore can mean good for good but also ill for ill. Equivalence points to the choice and magnitude of action but does not mean identical behavior in all dimensions; rather, between two actors, it means rough equivalence. When the actors have unequal capabilities, reciprocity would mean exchange of mutually valued—even though not equal—goods or ills. Next, the chapter will review relevant research such as studies of reciprocity that point to a general pattern of leaders reciprocating others’ actions under some conditions, and the role of reciprocity in international relations as an efficient tool opening more options for cooperation and problem resolution and helping actors to mitigate the disadvantage of the anarchic world system. Specifically, the chapter will highlight reciprocity in IR as an instrument encouraging the development of long-term trust and obligation, thus overcoming the inherent problem of mistrust in the anarchical international system. Reciprocity in IR is so crucial that it “holds” many norms of international behavior including international trade, international conflict resolution and diplomacy, and international law. The chapter will illustrate this last point using examples from international trade, as well as international conflict resolution and diplomacy. The chapter will examine the two-way relationship between reciprocity and international norms and regimes as reciprocity helps create the conditions for international regimes, and in turn, those regimes may support and maintain reciprocity by improving communication or reducing transaction costs. Finally, the chapter will examine reciprocal cycles of cooperation or conflict in international affairs.