'BLAME' AS INTERNATIONAL BEHAVIOR A contribution to inter-state interaction theory

This article presents a dimension of state behavior which it proposes has theoretical and practical relevance to a theory of conflict, a theory of sanctions, and generally to theories of inter-state interaction. Being primarily theoretical, the article discusses the role of 'blame' in international politics, both as an isolated pattern of behavior, and in connection with other patterns of behavior. 'Blame' is seen as non-violent, conflict behavior. It is related to the stratification of international systems, and to the concept of political distance between two actors. Scales and estimates for measuring blame, both from the sender's and the receiver's point of view, are presented, and a discussion of methodological problems involved in an empirical test of the theory proposed, is made at the end.