A Theory of Master Role Transition

In this book, Feliciano de Sa Guimaraes offers an original application of role theory. He proposes a theory of master roles transitions to explain how small powers can change regional powers master roles without changing the regional material power distribution. Master role transition is the replacement of an active dominant master role by a dormant or inactive role located within one's role repertoire.

Guimaraes argues that only a combination of four necessary conditions can produce a full master role transition: asymmetrical material interdependence, altercasting, domestic contestation, and regional contestation. In each one of these conditions, a small power uses material and ideational tools to promote a master role transition within the regional power role repertoire. To test his model, Guimaraes turns to five case studies in Latin America, Southern Africa, and Southeast Asia: the 2006-2007 Bolivia-Brazil Gas crisis, the 2008-2009 Paraguay-Brazil Itaipu Dam crisis, the 2008-2009 Ecuador-Brazil Odebrecht crisis, the 1998 South Africa-Lesotho military intervention crisis, and the 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganges water crisis.

A Theory of Master Role Transition is an excellent resource to those studying both theory and method in international relations, and foreign policy analysis.