國際關係「新自由制度主義」理論之評析

A Critical Analysis of Neoliberal Institutionalism

新自由制度主義是過去十餘年最具生產力和開創力的國際關係理論，它挑戰現實主義理論的不當，並展開雙方理論的爭辯，它提出國際制度化的主張，同時在近年來進一步從事輍證研究。不過該理論未來發展恐存在相當局限：一、國際制度的複雜性遠非該理論可以解釋；二、該理論僅代表美國的觀點；三、該理論的適用性須待進一步的檢驗。

Neoliberal institutionalism has been considered as one of the most productive and creative theories in international relations for the last decade. It has success fully challenged the theoretical assumptions of structural realism, and opened the debate between neorealism and neoliberalism. It has also established its own theoretical assumptions and analytical framework. Moreover, it has proposed a number of research programs, and more efforts in empirical studies have been made for these purposes.Nevertheless, in terms of theoretical utilities and future development, neoliberal institutional theory might confront the problems of empirical effectiveness and the limits of its application. First, the roles and operations of institutions are much more complicated and diversified than the assumptions of the neoliberal approach can provide. Second, neoliberal views chiefly reflect American thoughts on international relations in the post-Cold War period. Some non-Westerners thus may consider that it is for American interest only. Third, institutional effectiveness cannot be proved useful by the neoliberal approach unless it can incorporate other powers, as well as organizational and cultural factors in its empirical examination.