The Price of Prestige

conclusions 165

will need to address a few problematic issues. The most prevalent of these

is the need to weigh the relative significance of primary- and secondary-

utility considerations. Comparing the relative weight of material and so-

cial motivations is essential if we are to assess the empirical significance

and scope of the theory more broadly. Yet in my assessment, this issue is

likely to prove somewhat intractable. Another empirical minefield awaits

those who seek to measure the material and social utility of increased

prestige. In this study I chose to bracket that part of the analysis and as-

sume that such benefits exist at least in the minds of the actors. However,

a more complete theory of prestige in international relations may wish to

address this part of the equation as well. Such research may enable us to

better delineate the boundaries between power and prestige and to better

understand the way these two concepts interact with each other. Finally,

one of the most important theoretical implications of the conspicuous

consumption argument is the possibility for a substantial transformation

of the manifestation of competition in international affairs. A closer study

of the rise and fall of prestige symbols could serve as a key component of

a broader theory of transformation and change in international affairs.

Other important avenues for future research include an extension of

the current framework to more issue areas in international relations. Top-

ics such as nuclear proliferation, membership in international organiza-

tions, adoption of treaties, and normative leadership are just a few of many

potential issues where conspicuous consumption may be in action in a dis-

cernable and observable manner. The interaction between prestige and

notoriety also holds a lot of promise. Another issue that deserves more

attention and further elaboration is the connection between domestic and

international structures of prestige. Finally, the price of prestige raises

many normative and ethical questions. A rigorous effort to grapple with

these issues could prove to be of significant value.

Prestige is a core concept of international relations theory, yet it is not

an easy concept to define or measure. As such it is often ignored or mar-

ginalized. However, as I demonstrated in this book, it is a useful concept.

Prestige, almost by definition, is a bridge between the social and the mate-

rial, between agency and structure, and between realism and constructiv-

ism. The theory of conspicuous consumption offers one way of getting

at this elusive and evasive concept. However, it is just one step toward a

more general theory of prestige in international relations. Paradoxically,

it is the use of increasingly sophisticated and formalized theoretical mod-

els that forces us to go back to the many poorly defined core concepts of