Diplomacy and Domestic Politics: The Logic of Two-Level Games | Study Guide

Robert D. Putnam presents a framework for understanding the connections between domestic groups and international negotiators. His discussion centers on the Bonn summit conference of 1978 which produced an agreement that benefitted all seven nations involved known as the "Group of 7" or "G7." An explanation of the metaphor of a two-level game gives rise to Putnam's investigation of the factors impacting wins and losses at both the domestic and international levels. Putnam demonstrates the reciprocal nature of the relationship between these two levels of political play. This differs from previous research on the topic. He presents historical examples and demonstrates how to apply the two-level game framework to specific negotiations. Putnam advocates for future empirical research into how political leaders generate and adopt international agreements.