Citation

Donnelly J. J. Peace Res. 1990; 27(2): 221-230.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0022343390027002010

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

As a counterpoint to the other articles in this special issue, this final paper presents a skeptical view of the global policy perspective, especially as it has been presented in the writings of the guest editor. The author argues that the perspective is conceptually muddled and that such key terms as 'global' and 'policy' have yet to be given clear, precise, or analytically penetrating definitions. A case is made that the very idea of global (as opposed to international) policy seriously misrepresents the nature of contemporary international regulations. It concludes by suggesting that the policy perspective, even if the conceptual problems can be worked out, promises to provide little additional descriptive, analytic, or heuristic leverage for students of international relations.