The International Seabed Authority: theorising the concept of an exemplary international organisation using evidence from US absenteeism

This research asserts that the grouping of states with a common interest under the umbrella of an 'international organisation' does not imply an autonomous, non-aligned grouping of signatory nations, in fact international organisations have proven to be valuable instruments through which state actors are able to endorse their own agendas and serve as instruments for understanding the international political economy. In contrast to the prevailing acceptance that international organisation autonomy is ordinarily bounded by state interests, it is argued that the International Seabed Authority represents a unique example whereby the developed states are not the dominant authority and the undertakings of the organisation have not reflected the best interests of any particular nations' foreign policy. A reality that is difficult to quantify yet is qualified through this research, primarily through the lack of US participation.