ABSTRACT
The counterpart relationship is generally that involved when an expatriate expert enters a Third World country in order to undertake a particular professional task as well as to train a local national in the pursuit of the professional role in which the expert claims his expertise. The multi-dimensional character of the exchange of expertise in a counterpart setting creates the need to draw on a number of alternative analytical perspectives in order to begin to understand the dynamics of counterpart relationship. The present point of development in the history of the international system is always a real environmental factor in the operation of the counterpart paradigm. The counterpart system is the personal manifestation of the present state of international affairs. The norms of the international system are being shaped by the debate about the New International Order. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
