The Fao and the Usda: Implications for Functionalist Learning

International functionalism embraces much more than a theory of attitude change. Functionalists would probably attach most importance to its prescriptive aspect which calls for the piecemeal organization of international life in areas where cooperation across national boundaries is essential to effective action. But the functionalist prescription is premised on a distinctive set of empirical notions about the growth of international institutions and an asserted linkage of functional cooperation with world peace. These ideas, in turn, rest heavily upon assumptions about attitude change. A detailed analysis of functionalism cannot be presented here, but a brief outline of a few essential elements may help to establish the relevance of this study to functionalist thought.