India, June 17 -- A 'sense of 'reciprocity' is a key variable in the foreign policy decision-making of countries. As a concept, reciprocity explains the foundation of cooperation among states and their normative conduct within an anarchic international system. Without reciprocity and reciprocal expectations, smooth conduct of foreign relations would be tough. And yet, US President Trump's decision to impose 'reciprocal' tariffs on trading partners-regardless of whether they are allies or not-has sparked significant outrage today.

While in this case America's trading partners are not keen on reciprocal relations with the US, the reality is that foreign policy decision-making of most states under normal circumstances is based on reciprocit...