Anarchical Society and Society of States Theory Flashcards
What is the definition of ‘anarchy society and society of states’?
theory that the states of the world can be members of a society
despite the anarchical nature of the international system
What was the name of Hedley Bull’s book and when was it published?
‘The Anarchical Society’ in 1977
What does Hedley Bull accept in his book?
the neo-realist premise that there is anarchy in the international system
but among the chaos a society of states has emerged
Why is there anarchy in the international system?
states do not accept any higher authority
and so exist in a condition of international anarchy
What do realists claim about the anarchical system?
this inevitably leads to a struggle for power
that can only be avoided by a balance of power
What does Hedley Bull show conflict can be avoided?
existence of a society of states
What does this theory bring together?
brings together the anarchy of realism and the interdependence of liberal theory
liberal realism
According to Bull, what do states develop institutions and a set of rules, norms and values by which they agree to be bound?
states become aware that they share a set of interests and values
Bull concludes that although alternative forms of organisation exist (e.g regional and international organisations), ………. provides the best chance of achieving world order in world politics
state cooperation
What does the ‘society of states’ fall short of? How is this?
global governance or supranationalism
states cooperate as sovereign entities, they do not give up power to a higher authority
e..g UN is more appropriate example than EU
How can the concept of the society of states be criticised?
because it does not explain or account of the development of supranational bodies
e.g. WTO, ICC
