Keohane and Nye argue that global politics is no longer defined solely by military power, but by complex interdependence—economic, social, and institutional ties that constrain states and create new forms of power beyond traditional sovereignty.
Keohane and Nye conclude that states still matter, but they no longer operate in a world where military power alone defines outcomes. Instead, states are embedded in networks of economic ties, institutions, and shared problems that shape what they can and cannot do.
This means we should understand modern states as constrained and interconnected actors. Their power depends not just on strength, but on how dependent they are on others, what rules govern their relationships, and how well they navigate global systems.
👉 So what this means is:
Modern global politics isn’t just about dominance—it’s about managing interdependence, where cooperation, institutions, and relationships are just as important as power and conflict.