A Comparison of Various Approaches to International Trust:From Game Theory to Social Network Analysis

Inter-state trust is a key topic dealing with conflict and cooperation between states,and is all the more important for uncertain international systems.Based on the combing of present literatures,the author generalized three main approaches of researches on inter-state trust,which have respectively different train of thought the analysis.The game theory emphasizes that trust relations can change the payoffs of plays' game by the way of rational choice and turn influences the establishment and maintaining of cooperation. While on the one hand the legitimacy mechanism tries to explain the check and balance on trust from system with the strong views of institutionalism,on the other hand it analyses the relationship of trust, norms and identity,using the method of soft- normative mechanism.This paper argues that states are also required to be recognized as being legitimate society besides prompted by self- interest when they trust each other.Social network analysis focuses on how social relations foster trust,and tryingto be embedded in is intended for finding the middle way in-between the macro-micro disputes.Finally,combing and reviewing of different approaches will help promote the future development of inter- state trust researches.