International Pecking Orders

By Vincent Pouliot,

Book cover of International Pecking Orders: The Politics and Practice of Multilateral Diplomacy

Book description

In any multilateral setting, some state representatives weigh much more heavily than others. Practitioners often refer to this form of diplomatic hierarchy as the 'international pecking order'. This book is a study of international hierarchy in practice, as it emerges out of the multilateral diplomatic process. Building on the social…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked International Pecking Orders as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The book theorizes international diplomats’ social capital as a reflection of their country’s positions in international hierarchies and, to a lesser extent, their individual experience and skill. It focuses, among other examples, on the debates on the reform of the UN Security Council that take place in the UN General Assembly. 

Pouliot offers a compelling account of the privileges that the permanent members of the UN Security Council enjoy that extend beyond veto powers, such as the mastery of the Council procedures that come with a permanent seat. The book suggests that besides institutional privileges, countries can also accumulate capital…

Want books like International Pecking Orders?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like International Pecking Orders.

Browse books like International Pecking Orders

Book cover of Transforming International Institutions: How Money Quietly Sidelined Multilateralism at The United Nations
Book cover of Dangerous Diplomacy: Bureaucracy, Power Politics, and the Role of the UN Secretariat in Rwanda
Book cover of Assisting International Justice: Cooperation Between UN Peace Operations and the International Criminal Court in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,531

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the United Nations, decision making, and international relations?

Decision Making 88 books