Politicising IOs as Geopolitical Tools: Evidence from the USA and China

• In Event: Dynamics of International Organizations

Abstract

Multilateralism appears increasingly contested as powerful countries create and lead new international institutions. How does this development shape public support for existing institutions? The existing literature often argues that geopolitical shifts threaten the continuation of the multilateral international liberal order. In contrast, this paper argues that the geopolitically-motivated creation of new institutions is likely to increase mass public support for traditional institutions. Especially in the context of great power competition, it expects that international institutions are seen as a key tool for advancing state interests. In original survey experiments conducted in the USA and China in October 2023 (n=2104) I find some evidence supporting these expectations. U.S. respondents are more likely to support increased funding to the traditional institution, the World Bank, when they learn about the creation and leadership of China of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. These results suggest that international cooperation can continue even in light of increasing international fragmentation and contestation.

Author

• Tanja Schweinberger, University of Groningen