The three I's debate: interests, institutions and ideas

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Introduction to Political Science

Intellectual legacy of Émile Durkheim and Pierre Bourdieu in social theory ● The origins of the fall of the Weimar Republic ● Intellectual legacy of Max Weber and Vilfredo Pareto in social theory ● The notion of "concept" in social sciences ● History of the discipline of political science: theories and concepts ● Marxism and Structuralism ● Functionalism and Systemism ● Interactionism and Constructivism ● The theories of political anthropology ● The three I's debate: interests, institutions and ideas ● Rational choice theory and the analysis of interests in political science ● An analytical approach to institutions in political science ● The study of ideas and ideologies in political science ● Theories of war in political science ● The War: Concepts and Evolutions ● The reason of State ● State, sovereignty, globalization and multi-level governance ● Theories of violence in political science‎‎ ● Welfare State and Biopower ● Analysis of democratic regimes and democratisation processes ● Electoral Systems: Mechanisms, Issues and Consequences ● The system of government in democracies ● Morphology of contestations ● Action in Political Theory ● Introduction to Swiss politics ● Introduction to political behaviour ● Public Policy Analysis: Definition and cycle of public policy ● Public Policy Analysis: agenda setting and formulation ● Public Policy Analysis: Implementation and Evaluation ● Introduction to the sub-discipline of international relations ● Introduction to Political Theory

The debate about the three 'I's: interests, institutions and ideas, is a central concept in the social sciences, particularly in international political economy and political science. These three factors are often used to explain why political actors act as they do.

In the debate about the three 'I's: interests, institutions and ideas, interests are often seen as the main driver of political action. Whether individuals, groups or countries, political actors are supposed to act in a way that maximises their own interests. This can take various forms: the search for power, wealth or security. Identifying these interests is often a key element of political analysis.

The second "I" represents institutions, which are the rules of the game in a society. More formally, these are the human constraints that shape human interactions. They may be formal, such as laws or regulations, or informal, such as social norms or traditions. Institutions have a major influence on the behaviour of political actors. They define what is permitted and what is not, and structure the incentives faced by players.

Finally, the last "I" is for ideas, those beliefs, values, perceptions and mentalities that shape the way actors see the world and define their interests. Ideas can be deep-seated convictions about what is right and what is wrong, worldviews or ideologies, or more pragmatic perceptions of what works and what doesn't. Ideas have the power to influence the way people think and behave. Ideas have the power to influence political action by shaping the interpretation of facts, guiding the definition of problems and proposing possible solutions.

The debate around these three "I's" often revolves around the question of which is the most important. Some theorists insist on interests as the main driving force behind political action, while others favour institutions or ideas. In reality, these three factors are often interdependent and can reinforce each other. Institutions can influence the definition of interests, while ideas can play a key role in the creation and modification of institutions.

Introduction to the issues at stake in the three "I" debates

The debate about the three 'I's takes place on two levels:

• Metatheoretical level of relationships between paradigms: Here, the debate is about how the three 'I's fit together within different theoretical paradigms. For example, in international political economy, different paradigms such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, etc., give different weight to interests, institutions and ideas. Realism places more emphasis on interests (in particular security and power), while liberalism places more emphasis on institutions and constructivism on ideas.
• Intra-paradigmatic level of relations between interests, institutions and ideas : At this level, the debate is about how interests, institutions and ideas interact within a particular paradigm. For example, within the liberal paradigm, how do institutions shape interests? How do ideas influence institutions? How do interests and institutions together shape ideas?

In both cases, the aim is to gain a better understanding of how these three 'I's interact and influence political behaviour. This can help explain the variety of political behaviour we observe in the real world, as well as predict future behaviour.

The Three I's debate is a debate between different theories of limited scope, which focus on the relative importance of interests, institutions and ideas in the analysis of political phenomena:

• Interest-based theories generally postulate that political actors, whether individuals, groups or nations, act primarily to maximise their own interests. These interests may be economic, security or power-related. Schools of thought such as realism in international relations are often associated with this perspective.
• Institutionalist theories emphasise the role of institutions, defined as formal or informal rules that structure political behaviour. Institutions can shape the interests and behaviour of actors by defining the incentives, costs and benefits of different actions. Neo-liberal institutionalism is an example of a school of thought that emphasises the role of institutions.
• Idea-based theories emphasise the importance of beliefs, values and perceptions in shaping political behaviour. These theories posit that ideas can define interests and influence institutions. They can shape the way actors perceive their environment, define their problems and develop their strategies. Constructivism is a school of thought that often emphasises the role of ideas.

Each of these approaches has its strengths and weaknesses, and none of the three 'I's is sufficient on its own to explain all political phenomena. Effective analysis often requires all three to be taken into account: interests, institutions and ideas.

Understanding the purpose of the three "I "s

The debate around the three 'I's - interests, institutions and ideas - is of crucial importance in contemporary social and political science research. In particular, it plays a prominent role in middle-range theories, which aim to explain a specific set of phenomena rather than providing an overall theory of the entire political or social system.

These middle-range theories often seek to understand the explanatory factors or causes behind a particular phenomenon. In doing so, they can generally classify these explanatory factors into one of three categories: interests, institutions or ideas.

• Interest-based explanations seek to understand how political actors pursue their own interests - whether these be power, wealth, security or other objectives - and how these interests influence their behaviour.
• Institutional explanations examine how institutions - whether formal, such as laws and regulations, or informal, such as norms and traditions - shape the behaviour of actors by structuring the incentives and costs of different actions.
• Idea-based explanations focus on the influence of beliefs, values and perceptions on political behaviour. They seek to understand how ideas define interests, shape institutions and influence actors' interpretations of their environment.

Classifying explanatory factors into these categories helps researchers organise their thinking, develop theories and draw comparisons between different situations. However, it is important to recognise that these categories are often interrelated and influence each other, and that a complete explanation of a given phenomenon may require taking into account interests, institutions and ideas.

The influence of the positivist paradigm on the debate

The debate between interests, institutions and ideas is at the heart of the positivist approach to political science and the social sciences in general. Positivism is a philosophical approach emphasising the importance of empirical research and scientific methodology. It seeks to identify causes and effects and to establish universal laws based on objective observation.

In the context of this debate, positivism seeks to identify how interests, institutions and ideas cause or influence political behaviour.

• Researchers who focus on interests will seek to identify how individual or collective interests determine political behaviour. They might, for example, seek to prove that states act according to their economic or security interests.
• Those focusing on institutions will seek to demonstrate how formal or informal rules structure political behaviour and outcomes. They might, for example, seek to demonstrate how democratic institutions influence political decision-making.
• Finally, those who focus on ideas will seek to show how beliefs, values and perceptions influence political behaviour. They might seek to demonstrate, for example, how political ideologies influence government policies.

Interest-based, institutional, and idea-based approaches have different ways of looking at and explaining the same political phenomenon. These different approaches give different weights to interests, institutions and ideas in their analyses. However, many researchers recognise that these three factors are often interconnected and that a complete understanding of political phenomena requires all three to be taken into account.

Deciphering the dynamics of the debate

The essence of the debate surrounding the three 'I's - interests, institutions and ideas - lies in the question of which elements have the greatest impact or the most significant influence in explaining a specific phenomenon. This debate often manifests itself as follows:

1. Interests: Proponents of this perspective argue that individual or collective interests are the main drivers of political action. According to this view, institutions and ideas are often shaped by and subordinate to these interests.
2. Institutions: Those who favour institutions argue that rules and structures, whether formal or informal, have the greatest impact on political behaviour. From this perspective, institutions shape interests and ideas, defining incentives and structuring political choices.
3. Ideas: Proponents of this view argue that beliefs, values and ideologies are the primary drivers of political behaviour. According to this view, ideas define interests and shape institutions.

However, it is important to note that this debate is not always a "either/or" question. Many researchers recognise that interests, institutions and ideas are often interconnected and can reinforce each other. Therefore, a full explanation of a specific political phenomenon may need to consider all three elements. This is an ongoing debate, and the answer may vary depending on the specific context and the phenomenon we are trying to explain.

Analysis of the three 'I's: Interests, Institutions and Ideas

The debate around the three 'I's - interests, institutions and ideas - highlights the complexity and intertwining of these factors in the analysis of political and social phenomena. It is often difficult to isolate the independent effects of interests, institutions and ideas, as these factors can often interact and reinforce each other. For example, ideas can influence interests, which in turn can lead to the creation or modification of institutions. However, this task is not impossible. With careful analysis and rigorous methodology, researchers can often distinguish the effects of these different factors and understand their relative roles in determining a specific phenomenon. This task may involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, case studies and comparative approaches, as well as the application of middle-range theories that seek to explain a specific set of phenomena. It is also important to stress that, although the debate about the three 'I's is a matter of academic importance, it also has practical implications. A better understanding of the relative importance of interests, institutions and ideas can help policy-makers to devise more effective strategies and to predict the consequences of their actions.

This perspective of causal explanation, which focuses on the three 'I's - interests, institutions and ideas - is essential for understanding how the world works and identifying ways of changing it.

• Analysing interests allows us to understand the motivations of stakeholders. This can help us predict their actions, understand why some policies are adopted while others are not, and identify pressure points where changes can be made.
• Institutions, whether formal (such as laws or organisations) or informal (such as social norms), structure our world and influence the behaviour of actors. Understanding institutions can help us identify how they promote or hinder certain behaviours and outcomes, and where reforms might be needed.
• Finally, ideas shape our understanding of the world and influence our interests and institutions. They determine what we consider possible, desirable and fair. Understanding the dominant ideas in a society can help us to see how they influence the status quo, and how new ideas can be introduced to bring about change.

By isolating and analysing these three factors, we can not only better understand why the world is the way it is, but also identify strategies for changing it. This can help us to identify the levers we need to pull to influence policy and decision-making, to improve people's well-being and to make the world fairer and more sustainable.

Relevance of different approaches

The relevance and explanatory effectiveness of the three 'I's - interests, institutions and ideas - may vary according to the specific object of the analysis and the type of question being asked.

• Interests: If we are seeking to explain changes in the policy or strategy of an actor - whether an individual, an organisation or a state - an interest-based approach can be particularly useful. By identifying how an actor's interests have evolved, it is often possible to explain why its policy or strategy has changed.
• Institutions: If, on the other hand, we are seeking to explain continuity or inertia in the policy or structure of a society, an institutional approach may be more relevant. Institutions tend to be stable and resistant to change, and they can often help to explain why certain structures or policies persist despite changes in the environment or the interests of players.
• Ideas: Finally, if we are looking to explain radical changes or revolutions, an ideas-based approach may be the most appropriate. Ideas can change rapidly and radically, and they can lead to profound changes in interests and institutions.

These three approaches are not mutually exclusive. In many cases, a full explanation of a phenomenon may require consideration of interests, institutions and ideas. Moreover, these factors can interact in complex ways: for example, changes in ideas can lead to changes in interests, which in turn can lead to changes in institutions. Consequently, an integrated, multi-faceted approach can often be the most fruitful.

Institutionalism: Explaining constitutional inertia

The institutionalist approach is often used to explain constitutional inertia. Institutions, by their very nature, are designed to be stable and resistant to change. They establish rules and norms that structure behaviour and expectations, and these rules and norms can be difficult to change once they are established. This is particularly true of constitutions, which are often designed to be particularly resistant to change in order to provide a stable framework for government and law. However, interests can also play a role in institutional change. Actors may seek to change institutions to better serve their interests, and changes in power relations may lead to changes in institutions. This dynamic can be particularly evident in situations of conflict or power struggle, where actors may seek to change the rules of the game to their own advantage. Ideas can play a role in these dynamics. Ideas about what is right, what is possible and what is desirable can influence both interests and institutions. For example, new or radical ideas can challenge the existing institutional order and lead to demands for change.

So while institutionalism may be particularly useful in explaining constitutional inertia, and the interest-based approach may be particularly useful in explaining institutional change, a full analysis of these phenomena probably needs to take account of interests, institutions and ideas.

The role of ideas and ideologies in periods of uncertainty

The idea-based approach can be particularly illuminating in explaining policy choices made during periods of uncertainty or following crises. At such times of upheaval, old assumptions and ideas can be challenged, creating space for new ideas to emerge. These new ideas can reshape perceptions of interests and pave the way for new policies or institutions. For example, after an economic crisis, new ideas about economic regulation, the role of the state, or the distribution of wealth may emerge, leading to significant changes in economic policy. Similarly, following a social or political crisis, new ideas about social justice, governance or human rights may challenge established interests and provoke institutional change.

It is also important to note that ideas do not spread automatically or inevitably, but are often actively promoted by political actors, social movements or other groups seeking to shape the political agenda. Consequently, the study of the diffusion of ideas can also involve the examination of power struggles and institutional dynamics. In sum, the ideas approach offers a valuable perspective for understanding how crises can lead to political and institutional change, and how actors can navigate these moments of uncertainty.

When a society is faced with the task of redefining its social contract, ideas play a crucial role. It is a time of flux when values, norms and beliefs can be reconfigured, opening the way to new directions for politics and governance.

• The persuasion effect: During this period, persuasion can be a key tool in influencing the direction of change. This can involve promoting new ideas or reformulating existing ones in such a way as to rally support for a new vision of the social contract. Political actors, social movements, thinkers and other influencers can all play a role in this process of persuasion.
• The influence of the historical past: The history of a society shapes its values, institutions and ideas, and continues to exert influence even during periods of change. Past experiences can influence perceptions of what is possible and desirable, and can provide lessons or warnings for the future. In some cases, a period of social change can be an opportunity to question or reassess a society's historical legacy.
• Historical analogies: Historical analogies can also play an important role in providing frameworks for understanding the present and looking to the future. Actors can draw on historical examples to illustrate their arguments, to justify their proposals for change, or to warn of potential dangers. However, it is important to note that historical analogies can be used selectively or simplified to support particular points of view, and so their use needs to be examined with discernment.

Redefining a society's social contract is a complex undertaking that involves navigating a sea of changing ideas, competing interests and institutional structures. It is a process that is both influenced by and influences the ideas, interests and institutions of society.

At times of major uncertainty, ideas and ideologies have immense explanatory power. They provide an interpretive framework for understanding the world, guide responses to challenges and help navigate the unknown. Here's how they can influence behaviour and decisions:

• Providing explanations: Ideas and ideologies help to make sense of complex events and situations. They provide a framework through which people can understand and interpret the world, which can be particularly valuable in times of uncertainty.
• Shaping responses: Ideas and ideologies shape preferences and responses to challenges. They determine what we consider to be acceptable or desirable solutions, and therefore guide our actions.
• Creating a sense of stability: By providing a coherent interpretation of the world, ideas and ideologies can also help to create a sense of stability and continuity in the face of uncertainty.
• Influencing social and political change: Finally, ideas and ideologies can shape social and political change. They can encourage reform, inspire protest, or support the status quo.

So, in times of uncertainty, analysing ideas and ideologies can offer valuable insights into social and political dynamics. This is an area where social science research, particularly in sociology and political science, can make important contributions.

Annexes

• PALIER Bruno, SUREL Yves, « Les « trois I » et l'analyse de l'État en action », Revue française de science politique, 2005/1 (Vol. 55), p. 7-32. DOI : 10.3917/rfsp.551.0007. URL : https://www.cairn.info/revue-francaise-de-science-politique-2005-1-page-7.htm