Chapter 6 - Actors, Structures, and FPA

Question 1

Actors v Structures

Definition of structures and main question

Answer 1

Structures - ideational and material structures that create boundaries for behaviour
Main Question: What is the extent to which actors can alter structures?

Question 2

Ideational Definition

Answer 2

Anything regarding the realm of ideas

Ideology is under this umbrella

Question 3

How are ideational structures challenged?

Answer 3

It take specific actors to take on the role of norm entrepreneurs to change ideas of a) the majority of states and b) the powerful states.

Question 4

Ideational Structures and Material Reality

Answer 4

The former manifests into the latter (sovereignty as manifested through passports)

Question 5

FPA is complicated because…

Answer 5

A number of actors and structures that are both domestic and international

Question 6

Parts of FPA as a Social Science

Answer 6

Explanandum
Explanans
Can explain both policy and process.

Question 7

Explanandum

Answer 7

Pretentious af word for dependent variable / object of analysis

Question 8

Explanans

Answer 8

Pretentious af word for independent variable.

Aka: The approaches and instruments that do the explaining.

Question 9

Two Types of Explananda

Answer 9

1. Focuses on decision-making process
2. Distinguishes policy and process.
   * Both should start with counter-intuitive

Question 10

Actors and Structures in Process Approaches

Answer 10

The dependent variable/explanandum here is the purposive decision-making.

Question 11

Process-orientated analysts or FP consider…

Answer 11

HOW certain goals arise and WHY certain behaviours result

Question 12

3 Steps of Process-Orientated Analysis of FPDM

Answer 12

1. Focus on factors and processes by which FP decisions, statements, and behaviour occur
2. Explore the process of FPDM more than the policy itself
3. States are the institutional structures within which and on behalf of which individual decision makers act

Question 13

Actors and Structures in Policy Approaches

What is the explanandum and focus of this approach

Answer 13

1. The explanandum here is the action that is the product of the decision.
2. What, in the moment, was the DM’s rationale (not perhaps how bureaucracy shaped their choice, but their conscience rationale)
3. Focus is on policy-undertakings
4. It emphasizes the purposive nature of actions, the centrality of policy and the role of state boundaries

Question 14

Two Theories Based on Structural Approaches to FP

Answer 14

Liberals and Realists
Both emphasize the structural influence of anarchy - it will produce certain action.
Realists believe relationships will be conflictual because of threat of violence.

Question 15

Aggressive Neorealist Hot-take on the EU

Answer 15

It won’t last because supranational authority can’t last, states want sovereignty.

Question 16

Defensive Realist take on Aggressive Realism

Answer 16

By overextending yourself, you cripple your resources and make enemies.

Question 17

Two Neoclassical Realist Takes on Structure

Answer 17

1. Effect of structure on state sovereignty is indirect and more complex than assumed.
2. Yes, the world should act based on structure (agree prescriptively with neorealists), but they disagree in explanatory ways.

Question 18

Defensive Realists on Structure

Answer 18

It causes state behaviour, but can’t account for all state actions.

Question 19

Liberal Institutionalism and Structure

Answer 19

An anarchic system can be positively affected by creating regimes that provide information and common rules.
Institutions can mitigate anarchy.

Question 20

Social Constructivism on Structure

Answer 20

How we understand reality is based in inter-subjective meanings and social rules.

Question 21

Theories which use Actor-based Approaches

Answer 21

1. Cognitive and psychological approaches
2. Bureaucratic politics approach
3. New liberalism
4. Interpretative Actor Perspective

Question 22

Cognitive and Psychological Approaches (Actor-based)

Answer 22

Skeptical of rational actor model.

Doesn’t focus on structure.

Question 23

Bureaucratic Politics Approach

Answer 23

Seeks to explain why decisions are distinct from what any person or group intended.

Question 24

New Liberalism Approach

Answer 24

Actor-based approach which emphasizes the role of societal actors in FP formation.

Question 25

Interpretive Actor Perspective

Answer 25

Focuses on the thinking and actions of individual DMs in explaining FP.

Question 26

Synthetic Framework for Understanding FP is only possible when…

Answer 26

It’s purposive policy output-focused and not process-focused (I don’t know why).

Question 27

Three Dimensions to Explain FP Actions

Answer 27

1. Structural Dimension
2. Dispositional Dimension
3. Intentional Dimension

Question 28

3 Steps to Explain an FP Action (Actor part of Integrative Framework)

Answer 28

1. Focus on relationship between action and intention
2. Identify underlying mechanism that caused the actor to not have another intention.
3. Link the intentional and dispositional - what are the underlying values?

Question 29

The Integrative Framework

Answer 29

An attempt of FPA to integrate both the actor and structure.

Question 30

Structural Factors in the Integrative Framework

Answer 30

Structural factors play into account. Actors consider consequences, how they are perceived, and how they are reacted to.
Structure can change people psychologically.