From Brexit to recent announcements of withdrawals from dozens of international bodies, exits from international organizations (IOs) have become a highly visible feature of global politics. But how common are these departures, and what do they actually mean for international cooperation?
Drawing on a new dataset of 488 IO exits since 1914, this Policy Brief finds that withdrawals are typically strategic and costly moves, often used by States seeking institutional change after internal reform efforts fail. Contrary to common perceptions, withdrawals are not increasing and are frequently temporary, with many countries eventually returning.
The brief also highlights the political and reputational costs of exit and offers recommendations for how IOs and Member States can respond constructively, including creating structured opportunities to address grievances and remaining open to future reengagement.
Access the full report here.
