This article demonstrates that there is not one international regime theory, but a set of theoretical and empirical studies that, alone or together, do not constitute a "general theory" of International Relations. Three approaches summarise the main debates on regimes: structural realism, neoliberalism, and cognitivism. The first perspective - the realist - considers power as the main concept for explaining international regimes. Neoliberalism considers interest as the main analytical tool to understand the creation and maintenance of regimes. Finally, cognitivism places ideas and values at the center of its explanations. After establishing these perspectives, the pharmaceutical patents dispute between Brazil and the United States (1988-2001) is analyzed, utilizing insights gained by the study of international regimes - privileging the neoliberal approach. From this conflict between Brazil and the United States, some strategies are also outlined that can be used by developing countries to maximize their gains on the international stage.
International Regimes; Patents; Foreign Affairs; GATT/WTO
