comparative theories Flashcards
What is the theory of realism?
is a pessimistic view of global politics, stating the primary interest of the state is to survive in the global system of anarchy.
what are the main ideas within realism?
- state sovereignty
- international anarchy
- inevibilitability of war
- the security dilemma
- human nature is flawed
what key thinker would you use within realism?
Thomas Hobbes - His realists beliefs can be shown his thoughts on the “state of nature”. The state of nature is characterised by the “war of every man against every man” a constant and violent competition for power. Humans are only concerned with their own preservation, and thus similarly, so is the state.
what is the theory of liberalism?
is a optimistic view of human nature and states the primary aim of states is to now co-operate with one another for mutual benefit and be led by reason, not selfish desires
what are the main ideas within liberalism?
- pooling sovereignty / likelihood of IGOs
- complex interdependence / dell theory
- possibility of harmony and co-operation / democratic peace theory
- rational human nature
what key thinker would you use within liberalism?
John Locke - his social contract theory. The individual gives up some freedom in order for the state to protect them. The state therefore gets it legitimacy from the will of the people.
the same can be applied for international organisations. countries give up some sovereignty to supranational organisations in order for them to protect them.
How do realists and liberals differ on their view of likelihood of conflict?
Realists - international anarchy is the international system, yet this doesn’t mean war is always present. a global hegemon is seen as a guarantee of peace, or a bipolar system where there are two states with similar powers, reluctant to do anything to one another due to the consequences that may follow. They believe an unbalanced multipolar system to be the most unsafe, as all states will have their own interest and objectives at heart.
Liberals - they believe the international system is one of complex independence. this brings order and security as it lessens the chance of conflict - for example, the dell theory, that states no states within the same supply chain will ever go to war. There are channels to resolve disputes and states are now focused on trade rather than conflict.
how do realists and liberals disagree on the importance of IGOs?
Realists - are sceptical about IGOSs and global politics is a struggle for power. states are only interested in what benefits them so there is no urge for co-operation. They would also state that the loss of sovereignty is absurd in an IGO. Only a global hegemon can enforce their ideals, due to states fear of what would happen to them if they didn’t comply.
Liberals - IGOs reflect the idea that states can gain more by working together than competing with one another. states are focused on gains for all, not relative gains. IGOs have facilitated trust and links between states that do not require a hegemon to be effective.
how do realists and liberals disagree on human nature?
Realists - have a pessimistic view on human nature, seeing it as a fixed factor driven by the restless lust for power rather than reason or rationale. states reflect human nature, so co-operation is unlikely while conflict is inevitable.
Liberals - optimistic view of human nature which is guided by rationale and reason, not selfish desires from states. states use reason and not force. there is a moral dimension to both humans and states.
what is the anarchial society theory?
Is a theory to attempt to bridge the gaps between realism and liberalism
Argues that there is anarchy in global politics and that states are the most powerful actors on the global stage and have complete sovereignty over their borders, yet
this does not lead to a state of anarchy because
states have an informal understanding that ensures a degree of co-operation together. This informal understanding is based on norms and values that they expect each other to use.
However these norms are not enforced by a higher body!
How do realists and liberals disagree on their view of power?
Realists - survival is the main aim of the state, so it must seek power to protect itself. this can be actualised in hard power, as it is the most impactful force in a self interested system.
Liberals - hard power is becoming less relevant and thus we have begun to see a rise of soft power, where states are persuaded not by threat but by the desire to co-operate. the emergence of IGOs, democracy and trade has seen the reduced likelihood of the use of hard power. the democratic peace theory shows how two democratic states will never go to war together.
