CAT 2

ADM NO :BJSS/2021/93190

NAME: PARKSON MAINA

INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Q2. Discuss using examples, how states are egoistic while cooperating with other states.

States are often considered egoistic because their primary concern is the advancement and
protection of their own interests. This egoistic behavior stems from the perception that states are
rational actors that prioritize their own survival and well-being above all else.

(I). States are self-interested in maintaining their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Territorial integrity refers to the territorial 'oneness' or 'wholeness' of the State. As a norm of
international law, it protects the territorial framework of the independent State and is an essential
foundation of the sovereignty of States.

States aim to secure economic resources, political influence, and military capabilities to ensure
their survival and increase their relative power in the international system. They prioritize their own
security above other considerations, often engaging in actions such as rearmament, forming alliances, or
pursuing territorial expansion to protect their interests.

One example of a state with egoistic behavior regarding sovereignty and territories is Russia.
Russia has been known to assert its sovereignty aggressively and defend its territorial claims vigorously.

Regarding sovereignty, Russia has shown a strong resistance to external interference in its
internal affairs. It has been criticized for cracking down on political dissent, limiting press freedom, and
suppressing opposition voices. This reflects its desire to maintain complete control over its sovereignty
without external influence.

In terms of territories, Russia has engaged in several actions that demonstrate egoistic behavior. One
notable example is its annexation of Crimea in 2014. Despite international condemnation and violation
of Ukraine's territorial integrity, Russia justified its actions based on historical and strategic interests,
prioritizing its own territorial claims over international norms.

Additionally, Russia has been involved in territorial disputes with neighboring countries, such as
Georgia and Ukraine, over regions like Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Donbass. These conflicts reflect
Russia's willingness to assert its influence and control over territories it considers important.

(ii) . Engage themselves in competitive behavior to enhance their economic prosperity.

They pursue trade agreements, establish protective tariffs, and promote their industries to ensure a
favorable position in the global economy. They may prioritize their own economic growth, even at the
expense of other states or global welfare considerations.

Wealth‐seeking actuated by selfish motives, free competition and market mechanisms as an “invisible‐
hand” form a well‐developed “natural order” of market economy in Adam Smith's economic world. The
foundation of natural order is egoism, but the egoism is rational extreme.

For example ,contemporary example of cooperation may be the European Union, which is a platform for
clashes between selfish national interests and community goals. The initiative to jointly purchase
vaccines and other medical supplies by the European Union during a pandemic is a positive example. On
the other hand, the manifestation of national egosm presents itself in the protection by individual states
of key economic sectors which have a destructive impact on the natural environment.

(iii) States are self interested with their security cooperation with other states

States can form an alliances with other states to enhance their own security interest.Defense
interactions with foreign security establishments to build relationships that promote specific united
states security interests, develop allied and partner military and security capabilities for self-defense and
multinational operations, and provide united states. The objectives of the security cooperation include
developing specific partner capabilities, building alliances and partnerships, and facilitating cooperating
states access.

Example of states being egoistic in security cooperation include ,NATO is a prime example , where
member states collaborate on defense and security measures to ensure their collective defense.
Although each state contributes to the alliance , they do so to safeguard their own national security
against potential threats. Recently some countries have been sending their troops to Haiti such as Kenya
, china and united states for peace keeping.

(iv). States are also egoistic with their humanitarian cooperation .

Humanitarian intervention became a prominent feature of International Relations (IR) in

the aftermath of the Cold War, and it set up the basis of what later developed as the Responsibility to
Protect . From an International Relations perspective, the underlying debate developed around the
question of was what provided the humanitarian character of an intervention. In that regard, attention
was paid to the role of self-interest in the decision-making processes .

The idea that a state could turn against its own people and, by action or omission, incur on
massive human rights violations of its citizens, may sound senseless, since states are created precisely to
protect them and provide for them.

Even though states prioritize their own state's citizen welfare , they recognize the importance of
humanitarian cooperation during crises.
 For example , during natural disasters and health emergencies, states may come together to provide
aid and relief to affected areas.

As the conflict in Sudan fuels a humanitarian catastrophe in the country and a refugee crisis
beyond its borders, donors at a United Nations-backed event announced nearly US$1.5 billion to fund
life-saving relief efforts in Sudan and the region and called on parties in Sudan to immediately end the
fighting.

(v). Environmental cooperation and egoism

States can exhibit environmental egoism while still engaging in cooperation with other states by
prioritizing their own interests and benefitting from shared environmental initiatives. Here are a few
examples:

1. The United States and the Paris Agreement

The United States, under the Trump administration, withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2017,
citing concerns about the impact on the American economy. This decision showcased a certain level of
environmental egoism. However, despite the withdrawal, some states within the U.S., such as California,
continued to prioritize environmental sustainability and cooperated with other states and countries to
uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement. This demonstrates how states can simultaneously pursue their
own interests while engaging in cooperative efforts with others.

2. China and renewable energy partnerships

China, being the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has faced scrutiny regarding its
environmental practices. However, it has also embarked on significant investments in renewable energy
and has formed partnerships with other countries to share technology and knowledge. For instance,
China has cooperated with Germany in the development of renewable energy projects, such as wind
farms. While pursuing its own interests in transitioning to cleaner energy sources, China has also
engaged in cooperative efforts to address global environmental challenges.

3. European Union and emission trading

The European Union (EU) has implemented a system of emission trading to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. Under this system, countries within the EU are allocated emission allowances which can
be traded. This allows states with lower emissions to sell their excess allowances to states with higher
emissions. While each member state has its own interests and priorities, they cooperate within the
framework of the EU to achieve common environmental goals. This demonstrates how states can
engage in environmental cooperation while still pursuing their own interests within a regional context.

CITATIONS

(1) . Gowa , International organization, 1986

(2) . Tomaszewki , Economic research, 2021

(3) . Shaver , Egoism, 2002