The gains debate: framing state choice. (international relations theory)

Putting the prospect theory within the framing heuristic allows the synthesis of realist and liberal assumptions about state behavior. The model resulting from this synthesis predicts that states maximize absolute gains whenever possible and always guard against external threats to their sovereignty. This model accurately predicted the behavior of the European Community (EC) vis-a-vis the Montreal Protocol for protecting the Earth's ozone shield.

State attempts to secure international cooperation are confined by the distribution of power across relevant actors, the constraints imposed by the ...

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