Bringing Cooperation Back In: A Dynamic Model of Interstate Interaction

In an earlier article (Crescenzi & Enterline, 2001), we developed a formal, dynamic model of the cooperative and conflictual dimensions central to interstate relationships. However, the empirical data employed as inputs into the original model informed only the model's conflictual dimension. Here, we operationalize the conflictual and cooperative dimensions of the model, with the latter derived by inputting information on joint participation in intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) for the period 1965–2000. Doing so enables us to trace the joint cooperative–conflictual temporal trajectories of interstate dyads, in addition to capturing the degree and dynamism of these relationships. We demonstrate the flexibility and practicality of the model-derived empirical indicators of interstate interaction with an analysis of dyadic interstate conflict. Our dynamic approach to studying interstate relationships promises to facilitate fruitful contributions to several research agendas in comparative politics and international relations.