論國際關係理論之新自由制度主義

On Neo-liberal Institutionalism in International relations theory

國際關係的理論辯論，自冷戰結束迄今已進入一個新的階段。其中，融合了社會科學不同學門的新自由制度主義，自一九八○年代發展以來，並於九○年代與新現實主義及建構主義進行辯論互動，現階段已逐漸成熟。這些過程一方面有助釐清新自由制度主義的研究範疇，另方面也使得觀念、信念等因素也逐漸被帶入主流理論的研究當中。現階段全球化趨勢下，新自由制度主義在國家間衝突或合作等議題外，加入了國際制度對國家行為之影響等實證分析、法制化國際制度之關係、觀念對於國行為之影響、民主赤字與全球治理、及民主和平論等議題之探討，都使該理論得以繼續維持其重要性。

The debates in International relations (IR) theory have entered into a new stage. The controversial issues between the neo-realists and the neo-liberals have played a great role for over a decade, with the constructivists having proposed and defended their arguments as well. Neo-liberal institutionalism (NLI), with inter-disciplinary research, provides a different approach for us to understand international realities. As Robert O. Keohane suggests, NLI has much sympathy with Constructivism, and places more emphasis on ideas, rules, beliefs, and practice than has Neorealism.According to recent research , NLI not only has evolved into a leading school based on more intricate and empirical evidence, but also builds up relative ideas concerning global governance, legalization, practices and norms, and democratic peace. All these developments make NLI play a more active role in applying to current issues.