Conclusions: Imitation and Transition in International Relations

Abstract

Do states learn from other states’ experiences in international relations? This book has established the fact of imitation in foreign policy. But the book has also advanced a general theory of foreign policy learning and imitation that predicts when state-level learning is likely to occur, and what the likely sources of “lessons” will be. This theory finds considerable support in the quantitative and case-study data evidence. Finally, the book has outlined a general framework for studying preferences and interests in foreign policy and international relations. These elements combined, I believe, comprise this book’s contribution to general understanding of foreign policy and international relations.