Which of the following are true about Regime Theory in International Politics?
A. It is an attempt for the existence of rule-governed behavior in the anarchic international system
B. They are to replace collective security system
C. Major powers resolve conflicts through this mechanism
D. They have been defined by principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Regime Theory in International Politics is a theoretical framework that seeks to explain how international cooperation is possible in an anarchic international system. Key features include:
· A. It is an attempt for the existence of rule-governed behavior in the anarchic international system: Regime Theory argues that, despite the lack of a global government, states can cooperate through regimes that create predictable patterns of behavior governed by rules.
· D. They have been defined by principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures: Regimes are institutionalized frameworks characterized by shared norms and rules that guide state behavior in specific issue areas (e.g., trade, environment, human rights).
Option B is incorrect because regimes do not replace collective security systems; rather, they complement them by providing a structured way to manage cooperation on specific issues. Option C is incorrect because major powers do not necessarily resolve conflicts through regimes; regimes focus more on fostering cooperation rather than resolving large-scale conflicts.
Information Booster:
1. Definition of Regimes: According to Stephen Krasner, regimes are defined as sets of implicit or explicit principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures around which actors’ expectations converge in a specific area.
2. International Anarchy: In an anarchic system where no central authority exists, regimes help manage relations between states by reducing uncertainty.
3. Role of Regimes: They help in facilitating cooperation on global issues like trade, environment, arms control, and monetary policies, despite the lack of overarching enforcement mechanisms.
4. Examples of Regimes: Examples include the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Kyoto Protocol (environment), and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
5. Neoliberal Institutionalism: Regime Theory is closely associated with neoliberal institutionalism, which posits that institutions and regimes mitigate the challenges posed by anarchy.
6. Criticism: Some Realists argue that regimes are only effective when they align with the interests of powerful states, and their influence is limited when power dynamics shift.
Additional Information:
· A (Rule-governed behavior in an anarchic international system): Regime Theory seeks to establish cooperation despite the absence of a global government, relying on rules and norms.
· B (Replace collective security system): This is incorrect because regimes are not designed to replace collective security but rather manage specific areas of cooperation.
· C (Major powers resolve conflicts through this mechanism): This is not a primary function of regimes; they are more about fostering cooperation than conflict resolution.
· D (Defined by principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures): Regimes function based on shared understandings and procedures, making state actions more predictable and coordinated.