Chapter Two Flashcards
What is Realism in international relations?
A theory that views states as self-interested actors competing for power in an anarchic world.
Realists emphasize national interest, power, and security over cooperation.
Define Prisoner’s Dilemma.
A game theory scenario where two rational actors may choose to betray each other, even though cooperation would lead to a better outcome.
It represents the challenges of trust in international relations.
What is the assumption of Rationality in international relations?
The assumption that states act logically and strategically to maximize their interests, often prioritizing security and power.
Define Security Dilemma.
A situation where one state’s efforts to increase its security make others feel threatened, leading to an arms race or conflict.
What does Balance of Power refer to?
A system in which power is distributed among multiple states to prevent any one from dominating.
Example: The balance of power in Europe before World War I.
What is an Arms Race?
A competition between states to build up military capabilities, often leading to increased tensions and risk of war.
Example: The Cold War nuclear arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Define Anarchy in the context of international relations.
The lack of a central authority in the international system, meaning no global government can enforce rules.
What is Unilateralism?
A foreign policy approach where a state acts independently without seeking approval or cooperation from others.
Example: The U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003.
What does Unipolar mean?
A global power structure where one dominant state (hegemon) holds overwhelming influence.
Example: The U.S. after the Cold War.
Define Multilateralism.
A foreign policy approach that emphasizes cooperation between multiple states to address global issues.
Example: The Paris Climate Agreement.
What is Deterrence?
A strategy to prevent aggression by threatening severe consequences, such as military retaliation.
Example: The U.S. using nuclear deterrence during the Cold War.
What characterizes a Bipolar system?
A system with two dominant superpowers.
Example: The Cold War rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
What is a Zero-Sum Game?
A situation where one actor’s gain is another’s loss.
Example: Territorial disputes where control of land benefits one country at the expense of another.
Define Compellence.
A strategy aimed at forcing another state to take a specific action through threats or use of force.
Example: The U.S. bombing campaign in Vietnam to force North Vietnam into negotiations.
What does Multipolar mean?
A system where power is distributed among multiple major states.
Example: The 19th-century European balance of power.
What is NATO?
A military alliance formed in 1949 for collective security against external threats, originally aimed at countering the Soviet Union.
What is Power Transition Theory?
The idea that conflicts arise when a rising power challenges the dominant power, potentially leading to war.
Example: China’s rise challenging U.S. dominance.
Define Hegemon.
A dominant state that has the most power in the international system, often setting global rules.
Example: The U.S. in the post-Cold War era.
How is power defined according to realists?
Power is the ability of a state to influence others and secure its interests.
What are the two types of power in Realism?
- Hard Power: Military strength, economic resources, population, and territory.
- Soft Power: Influence through culture, diplomacy, and ideology.
What is the usefulness of power in Realism?
Power is necessary for survival, ensuring security, deterrence, and negotiation leverage.
What assumptions does Realism make about the international system?
- The international system is anarchic (no global government).
- States are the main actors and act in their self-interest.
- Conflict is inevitable due to power struggles.
What kind of policies do realists advocate for states to adopt?
- States should prioritize military strength.
- Alliances should be based on national interest, not morality.
- International organizations are weak because states prioritize self-interest over cooperation.
What are the three different distributions of power in the international system?
- Unipolarity: One dominant state (hegemon).
- Bipolarity: Two superpowers competing.
- Multipolarity: Several powerful states balancing each other.
Which distribution of power is considered most stable according to realists?
Bipolarity is considered most stable because power is concentrated in two opposing blocs, reducing unpredictability.
What are the advantages of forming alliances?
- Increases security by pooling military resources.
- Deters aggression from rivals.
- Enhances economic and political cooperation.
What are the disadvantages of forming alliances?
- Can drag a country into conflicts it would otherwise avoid.
- Loss of autonomy—states may have to follow alliance commitments.
- Risk of free-riding, where weaker allies depend on stronger ones.
Why is the Prisoner’s Dilemma a dilemma?
Both players would benefit from cooperation, but rational self-interest pushes them to betray each other.
What are two ways to overcome the Prisoner’s Dilemma?
- Repeated Interactions (Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma).
- Institutions & Agreements.
What is Repeated Interactions in the context of the Prisoner’s Dilemma?
When states interact multiple times, cooperation becomes more likely as they can punish defection in future rounds.
What role do Institutions & Agreements play in overcoming the Prisoner’s Dilemma?
They create rules and enforcement mechanisms that encourage trust and long-term cooperation.
