A Theory of Imitation in Foreign Policy

Abstract

So far I have discussed the potential importance of imitation and learning in international relations, and explored the general context of foreign policy decision-making within which foreign policy imitation could be rigorously explored. This chapter builds on the general discussions so far by presenting the specific theoretical and analytical frameworks of the book. Here I develop a theory of imitation in foreign policy, derive the hypotheses to be tested empirically in subsequent chapters, and deal with key issues of research design.

But why do we pay attention to some things, and not to others? We ought to analyse everything….

—President Leonid Kravchuk addressing the Ukrainian Rada, September 1, 1993