ABSTRACT
Rational choice analysis is one of several theories used to explore questions in international political economy (IPE). As Crane and Amawi (1997: 22) point out, some consider rational choice a theory in and of itself, while others view it as a tool or analytic technique to be employed within a larger theoretical system. Either way, rational choice analysis has been used to generate new insights on questions dealing with issues in IPE. This chapter is intended to provide the reader with a broad introduction to the rational choice approach and identifies some of the ways in which the theory has contributed to our understanding of issues involving international trade, cooperation, and conflict.1
