GROUP NAME: 8 GIGABYTES

Paradigm of Interdependence

MUHAMMAD IZWAN BIN ISHAK DPA17060080

SITI MARYAM BINTI NORDIN DPA17060317
NURSYAFIKA BINTI HAJI MOHD YUSOFF DPA17060377
NORIANTI BINTI MAZANI DPA17060398
SYAZA BT SHOLIMIN DPA17060301
1. Introduction

Interdependence is a term often used in the contemporary globalize world.

According to Keohane and Nye 1977, interdependence can be defined as
mutual dependence between two countries whereby one country may directly
influence the situation of the other country. The following characteristics
describe interdependence; mutual dependence, mutual vulnerability mutual
sensitivity.

2. Interdependence Characteristics

Mutual dependence is a situation where two states cannot survive without

supporting each other. For instance, water dispute between Singapore and
Malaysia create mutual dependence where Singapore need supply of raw
water and in return Malaysia gained profit from the selling.

Meanwhile, mutual vulnerability refers to whatever happen across border, will

eventually affected other countries. For example, Asian Financial Crisis 1997
started in Thailand affect the whole countries in South East Asia, including
South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines.

Mutual sensitivity defines as slight fluctuation across border will affect other
countries. As an example, the changes of interest rate by Central Bank of
Singapore will affect Malaysia economic market as a whole.

3. Complex Interdependence

Complex interdependence is believed to be the best and ideal paradigm

compared to Realism and Idealism. The theory behind this paradigm is to
create a peaceful and stable world. As mentioned by Genest (1996), every
country is consider as crucial entities, security is fairly treated with social
welfare and cooperation is important as international politics conflict. Figure 1
illustrates the paradigm of interdependence from the visions of the world.
 Figure 1: Interdependence Paradigm

4. Complex Interdependence Characteristics

Complex interdependence is a subset of interdependence. Complex

interdependence is believed to be the best and ideal paradigm based on four
characteristics which are complex agenda with no hierarchy, hard and long
bargaining on various issues, military threats not possible, and occurrence of
interaction between two parties.

There is no hierarchy among the issues in the context of Complex

interdependence paradigm. In other words, the line between foreign policy
and domestic becomes indistinct. There are multiple issues which are not
organized in a consistent hierarchy for example, there is no differentiation
between issues such as education, economy, social welfare, politic and etc.

There is almost impossible interference of military force when doing

negotiation thus the used of diplomacy and policy is consider as the best tool
to make decision making in complex interdependence.

Its role as bargaining tool is still important and may vary from issue to issue.
Its role cannot be completely ignored. In an asymmetric relationship, the less
dependent actor may use it as a bargaining tool. In fact the changing role of
force has made the situation more complex.

In international politics there are multiple interaction occur between

government and societies, including all the interstate, transgovernmental, and
transnational transactions. Therefore, this characteristic will facilitate actions
between communities either they be interstate or transnational.

5. Conclusion

As a conclusion interdependence are more optimistic about human nature. In

the proper setting, interdependence focus on means and ends, meaning to
say interdependence focus in creating peaceful world. This is in line with Karl
Max’s perception, he acknowledge that we are social being and
interdependence. Through this social interaction we are productive and
actively sustain ourselves. In contrast with Realism and Idealism, they are
more self-gain compare to interdependence which are more human centric.

6. References

Genest, Marc A. (1996). Conflict and Cooperation: Evolving Theories of

International Relations Belmont, CA: Thomson & Wadsworth.

Keohane, Robert O., and Joseph S. Nye.(1977). Power and

Interdependence: World Politics in Transition. Boston: Little, Brown & Co.