Reciprocity Essay ⋆ Political Science Essay Examples ⋆ EssayEmpire

Reciprocity is a principle in international relations whereby one actor, or group of actors, grants equal benefits or concessions to another in exchange for the same considerations. Reciprocity is often associated with trade treaties and agreements and the earliest reciprocity accords dealt with the exchange of goods. Most reciprocity treaties deal with the elimination of tariffs or other restrictions on imports. For instance, two states may agree to reduce or eliminate quotas on a specific trade good. These arrangements also may provide for the elimination of trade restrictions on one product or group of goods in exchange for some type of concession in another area. Reciprocity agreements are narrow in that they only extend concessions to the signatory countries and do not involve general or open reductions in trade barriers that benefit all states.

Through the nineteenth century, the United Kingdom and the United States used reciprocity treaties as part of a broad strategy to increase free trade and open new markets in a controlled fashion. The expansion of reciprocity treaties led to the creation of the first customs unions, and later trade blocs, in which trade barriers are eliminated between all member states. Reciprocity also may include the reciprocal exchange of benefits for officials or citizens, including granting alien citizens travel or work rights within a host country. In international relations theory, specifically regime theory, reciprocity is an important component to explain cooperation. Through the work of Robert Axelrod or Stephen Krasner, cooperation can be explored through structural factors such as the “shadow of the future”—the recognition that reciprocal behavior in the present, in one area, can led to future cooperation.

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