Chapter 8 Flashcards
Interwar ‘internationalism’
Discuss the claim that ‘The First Great Debate is a myth.’
The claim suggests that the supposed debate between idealists and realists in the 1920s and 1930s, known as the ‘First Great Debate,’ was not a clear-cut or direct confrontation. Revisionist scholars argue that there was no coherent idealist school of thought during the interwar period, and that E.H. Carr (1939), often portrayed as a realist, drew upon a variety of intellectual traditions, including Marxism.
On what grounds did interwar liberal internationalists believe that international anarchy could be tamed?
Interwar liberal internationalists believed that international anarchy could be managed through the establishment of international law, the promotion of democracy, disarmament, collective security mechanisms like the League of Nations, open diplomacy, and the abolition of secret alliances. They held that these measures could address the root causes of war such as nationalism, ignorance, and sinister interests.
Evaluate the statement ‘The ideas of interwar liberal international theory are merely of archaeological interest
This statement suggests that interwar liberal internationalist ideas are outdated and no longer relevant to contemporary international politics. Evaluating this claim would involve examining the lasting impact of liberal internationalist principles on modern international relations, including the continued relevance of international law, collective security, and the importance of international organizations.
Whose illusion was the ‘great illusion’?
The ‘great illusion’ refers to Norman Angell’s (1909) argument that the belief in the profitability of war for modern industrial states was mistaken. Angell asserted that states are so economically interdependent that war is not only unprofitable but also detrimental to all involved parties, including the supposed victors.
Assess liberal internationalist arguments about the prospect of progress and peace in world politics.
Liberal internationalists argue that progress and peace are achievable through the spread of democracy, international law, economic interdependence, and collective security. Their vision is grounded in a belief in human rationality, moral universalism, and the capacity for institutions to foster cooperation and prevent conflict.
Evaluate E.H. Carr’s (1939) critique of liberal internationalism.
E.H. Carr critiqued liberal internationalism as utopian, arguing that it failed to appreciate the role of power in politics and misunderstood the nature of states’ interests. He believed that liberal internationalists were inadvertently promoting the interests of the status quo powers under the guise of universal principles. Evaluating his critique involves examining the extent to which power dynamics and self-interest are accounted for in international relations theory and practice.
Critically analyze whether a ‘First Great Debate’ took place.
Critical analysis of the ‘First Great Debate’ requires examining historical evidence for and against the existence of a structured debate between idealists and realists. This includes reviewing the works of interwar scholars, the historical context, and the arguments put forth by revisionist scholars who question the debate’s occurrence and suggest that the dichotomy between idealism and realism may have been overstated or constructed after the fact for pedagogical purposes.
