Conclusion: Cultures and Institutions Both Matter in Transboundary Relations

Abstract

This book has staked the claim that cultures matter in transboundary relations. More precisely, it has been argued that the four ways of life (or cultures) that are distinguished in grid-group theory (egalitarianism, fatalism, individualism and hierarchy) are useful ideal types with which to describe and explain the thoughts and actions of actors involved in transboundary regimes. Different regime actors have alternative perceptions of how transboundary relations should be organized, have divergent reactions to international anarchy, have varying perceptions of transboundary issues and disagree on how transboundary issues should he tackled.