Why Governments Disagree

When we think about why governments disagree amongst themselves on the international stage, we think automatically in terms of power politics. Old powers wane, new powers rise. Both test the boundaries of what they can do. In part, the assertions of power will show up in territorial disputes, in the formation and dissolution of alliances, and in the use or projection of force. This blog however sets aside disagreements about territory and those that might involve force or weaponry. Instead, it looks at areas of rulemaking such as trade, finance, health and the environment where collective global policies are desirable but where agreement may prove elusive. This space has been referred to as a ‘grey zone’ between unilateralist conduct and fully politically integrated policy making.

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