ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 introduces the main theoretical argument aimed at explaining the process of IPIs’ empowerment, drawing upon two literature approaches, namely new institutionalism and comparative regionalism. More specifically, two empirically testable propositions about IPIs’ empowerment are formulated, specifying, on the one hand, the structural conditions conducive to IPIs’ empowerment, as well as the causal mechanisms which are expected to materialize during treaty-adoption/-amending intergovernmental conferences (Proposition 1); and on the other hand, the tools and strategies adopted by IPIs either to induce favourable concessions from member states, or to directly sway intergovernmental negotiations in their favour (Proposition 2).
