Complex interdependence in
international relations is the idea put forth by
Robert Keohane and
Joseph Nye that states and their fortunes are inextricably tied together. The concept of economic interdependence was popularized through the work of
Richard N. Cooper. With the analytical construct of complex interdependence in their critique of
political realism, “Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye go a step further and analyze how international politics is transformed by interdependence” (Crane & Amawi 1997: 107-109). The theorists recognized that the various and complex transnational connections and interdependencies between states and societies were increasing, while the use of military force and power balancing are decreasing but remain important. In making use of the concept of interdependence, Keohane and Nye (1997: 122-132) also importantly differentiated between
interdependence and dependence in analyzing the role of power in politics and the relations between international actors.