Changing character of IR

Question 1

Treaty of Westphalia

Answer 1

1648 - First notion of sovereignty. Early basis for modern wars.

Question 2

When did IR begin as a discipline?

Answer 2

1919 - following WW1, the main role was preventing and understanding warfare.
2 schools of thought were Realism and idealism.

Question 3

IR after 9/11

Answer 3

‘black swan’ event. Unpredictable occurrence with extreme consequences. Spectacle of terror that caught the west by surprise and changed US foreign policy forever.

Question 4

Fog of war

Answer 4

• War is always chaotic and messy
• Would Putin invade Ukraine again? Unpredictable factors
• America in Vietnam or Afghanistan

Question 5

Unipolarity

Answer 5

One state with significant world power over all others. America in the 90s. Dangerous position as sometimes power leads to unnecessary actions. Iraq war.

Question 6

Thucydides trap

Answer 6

Insecurity of a great power being replaced or overtaken. For example the United States with the rise of China. Trade war.