There are also countervailing
factors, however, including the possibility that governments acting in international
society may have less sense of permanence and stability than individuals in intrastate contexts
or communities-which may make the latter more patient and consequently more likely to adopt
and maintain social norms. Interestingly, this analysis suggests that states generally have an
interest in the development of domestic political institutions that will instill "patience" in other
states. Patience may be associated with accountability, which constrains governments to be
responsive to the long-term interests of constituents.