This is Alexandre Kafka. He spent 32 years on the IMF Executive Board, representing Brazil and 8 other states. Kafka's been very influential during his time—even though he only commanded ~2.6% of votes. 🤔When can state reps wield such outsize influence in international orgs?

So far, state reps are merely treated as extended arms of their states and not treated as a distinct type of actor. To fill this gap, I have conducted interviews with IMF Executive Board members, who represent a single or multiple countries.

Based on these interviews, I theorize "respected individuals": state reps who can wield outsize influence if they a) are perceived as relatively autonomous; and b) have the relevant expertise, social skills and deliberative craft🗣️

In the IMF, delegates representing borrowers are more likely to become respected individuals due to their potential independence. My work thus speaks to the power of the weak, see also the recent special issue in @The_PEIO ( https://t.co/wE3To40Egg)

A huge thanks to all interviewees, to the @IAJournal_CH editor and reviewers, and to numerous colleagues who commented on earlier drafts! I am also grateful for funding by @scriptsberlin, @GDP_Center, and @HSGStGallen. Keep an eye out for more work on IMF decision-making 👀