Lake: Power and the Third World

Lake, DA. 1987. Review Essay: Power and the Third World: Toward a Realist Political Economy of North-South Relations. International Studies Quarterly: 217-234.

Reviews Hart's book and Krasner's article. Both take a position against world systems theory and dependency theory by positing the neglected role of power in establishing north-south relations. "The policies of North-South relations, these two authors tell us, are not economically predetermined. Power and bargaining matter both analytically and practically" (218).

"Realists assume, first, that the international system is anarchic, or composed of sovereign states responsible to no higher authority; second, that states are rational, unitary actors; and, third, that states seek power and calculate their interests in terms of power" (218).

The article continues and expands upon these assumptions by exploring the NIEO.