While these theories argued that formal IOs could perform functions that
would lead them to acquire authority, subsequent theory focused on how
increasing interdependence was eroding state sovereignty. This trend has not
been monotonic, as illustrated by high levels of pre-World War I economic
interdependence that declined precipitously in the interwar period and were
only surpassed well after World War II. Nevertheless, long-term and increasing
interactions among states in all fields of activity - including health, technology,
security, environment, culture and economics - mean that even the most
powerful states are sensitive to occurrences elsewhere and cannot always
achieve their goals by themselves. Small states that are dependent on larger
states have even stronger reasons to seek support from such organizations.
Moreover, this interdependence takes increasingly complex forms, including
the increase in the number of significant transnational actors such as
multinational corporations and environmental groups (Keohane and Nye, 1972,
1977). These changes have increased opportunities for formal international
organizations but have not necessarily increased the willingness of states to
transfer political authority to them