Publication

This brief argues that the international relations discipline and policymakers have seriously neglected the concept of dignity in explanations of state behavior. However, the author says the idea of state dignity plays a crucial role in interstate relations. He suggests it can impact a government's willingness to reform its policies, even when faced with material constraints such as sanctions. Consequently, he concludes that dismissing a state's desire to maintain dignity in international negotiations can result in counterproductive outcomes.