War Two to show how his theory has some basis in fact.
In presenting his points throughout the book, Keohane uses concepts which originated with economics in order to explain the behavior of participants in international politics. One reason for this is that the activities known as "politics" and "economy" are inextricably intertwined, especially in the modern world. Each one affects the other to such a great degree that it is impossible to discuss one without referring to the other. In addition, it has become traditional to discuss wealth and power as complementary, with one leading to the other. Keohane argues that while this view still has considerable merit, it is too simplistic to explain all aspects of the modern international political economy. There are other actors who affect the political decision-making process of nations, including corporations; these actors often force a country to take courses which are not necessarily in its interest. Throughout the book, however, Keohane develops the idea that states are the most important actors in world politics and that governments construct rules f
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