Describe the three major factors that impede international cooperation and security among states. Explain how each affects the ability of states to work together in the pursuit of common goals.

What will be an ideal response?

The anarchic nature of world politics complicates cooperation. Anarchic refers to the fact that there is no central enforcement authority with the power to punish states for wrongdoing. In the absence of absolute authority, states, especially large, powerful states, are free to pursue their own interests over the protests of other states and international organizations. The diversity of world politics is also a complicating factor. The differences between states in areas such as culture, social norms, economic capability, and type of governance mean that cooperation and agreement can be difficult to come by. What is considered illegal in one state may be perfectly acceptable in another, for example. The complexity of world politics can also get in the way of cooperation among states. Complexity refers to the number of states and non-state actors who are connected by various international issues. The interconnected linkages between states make finding common ground among a large group of states difficult.