Absolute and Relative Gains

[@martyg.1890]

Thank you very much for this explanation, it actually helped me a lot! I’m currently studying for IR exam and it’s great to have video like this! 😌

[@Frankoceanswhale]

Thank you. Freshman navigating IR and was curious when my lecturer mentioned absolute gains.

[@NoahZerbe]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@Chillypuwn]

I really liked the touch of adding in constructivists.

[@NoahZerbe]

Thanks. I think the constructivists offer important insights into a host of issues in global politics. Thanks for watching!

[@MustangBrother101]

Wow! So simple, concise and easy to follow. Legend! Thanks heaps! :)

[@duderRechthat]

Nicely explained, thank you! I'm currently working on my bachelor thesis about China in Africa, but from the perspective of african governments (probably 3 countries as case studies) and whats in it for them. Struggling with finding the right theoretical literature atm, but the relative vs. absolute gains approach seems to be a good starting point... Seems to me, that while China might gain more from the infrastructure deals in absolute terms, africans still are content with their relative gains, especially because their relative infrastructure development gains are crucial for further gains in the future!? Any literature suggestions on applicable theory would be more than welcome!😁

[@johnokoronkwo2156]

I would also want to add in addition to Prof Noah's comment that if you consider the power dynamics between China and African countries, the latter do not have the political and economic muscle to negotiate deals from the relative gains perspective in favour of the continent. I want to believe that the nature of Chinese investments in Africa are tilted towards China's interests more than it serves Africa in the long run. Due to the need for foreign investments, Africa can afford to live with this arrangement but should be careful with the nature of contracts it signs with an emerging Chinese Empire. Your project seems interesting, let me know if you want to connect to chat about it.

[@irstudy3452]

Thank You. It is great learning from you. I must say you have great conceptual clarity. 🙌

[@NoahZerbe]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@juliaoborska7715]

short and simple, thank you so much!!

[@NoahZerbe]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@shivam7043]

You made it seem simple,ThankYou♥

[@NoahZerbe]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching.

[@vahidmioooo]

Made it clear for me! Thank you.

[@PaolaSanchez-hc5my]

Thank you so much for this video! It was very useful for me!

[@aryad.2540]

Thank you sir! Your video really help me a lot :D

[@lougarcia1854]

Thank you very much, so basically relative game is the 'realistic part' so the increase of the other countries that trade with country A for instance, and the absolute gains is what country A will benefit from it ? Maybe I'm wrong and it's the inverse. I'm dyslexie so i have trouble understanding easy stuff sometimes, thanks for you videos they have helped me a lot for my Studies. Greeting from France !

[@NoahZerbe]

That's basically correct. Realists focus on relative gains, because they are concerned that trading might reduce power differentials. Liberals tend to focus on absolute gains. I'm glad you have found the videos helpful. Good luck in your studies!

[@anonymousone9699]

This is great. I’m currently studying for an IR later today!

[@yasirshahzad3]

liked this explanation❤

[@NoahZerbe]

Thank you!

[@PietriGuitars]

Since resources on planet Earth are finite, it makes more sense that we use Relative gains because after the agreement is done, the other country would have more purchasing power than us, meaning that they would be able to outperform our economy, out-buying resources or whatever in the free market, which ultimately puts us at a disadvantage. Resources are finite and therefore Earth IS a zero-sum game.

[@hellap.6572]

Thank you so much!!!!!!

[@NoahZerbe]

My pleasure. Glad you found it helpful!

[@raeeskul81]

It was very helpful

[@NoahZerbe]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for watching!