The relative-gains problem for international cooperation. (response to an article by Joseph Greico in this issue, p. 729-735)

Joseph Grieco has erred in his analysis of Duncan Snidal's theory, and further proof is presented to support Snidal's hypothesis that relative-gains diminish with the increasing number of states. Grieco has misunderstood the relative-gains problem, as is evident from the analysis. The problem is approached by assuming that all states pursue relative gains irrespective of their achievement of relative gains.

The pursuance of relative-gains is imperative because it increases the incentives to terminate agreements between states in matters of moderate importance. However, in high priority ...

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