Comparative Theories Flashcards
Realism
- Nation states are self serving
- Hobbes - Human nature is irrational
- War is inevitable
Liberalism
- Nation states work together for best outcome
- Locke - Human nature is rational
- War is avoidable
Realism - Key terms
- Primacy of the nation state
- Inevitability of war
- Security dilemma
- International anarchy
- balance of power
Liberalism - Key terms
- Democratic peace theory
- Complex interdependence
- Global governance
- United Nations responsibility to protect
The nation state is the primary actor on the world stage over IGOs
Primacy of the nation state
Nation states act selfishly, leading to conflict when it benefits them
Inevitability of war
One state increasing their security will lead to others doing the same, decreasing the overall safety
Security dilemma
(arms race)
States have the most power so there is no force controlling them
International anarchy
Power is zero-sum, when one state gains power another must lose it
Balance of power
Democratic nations are less likely to go to war with each other
Democratic peace theory
States are less likely to go to war with one another if they are connected, such as through trade
Complex interdependence
States are not the primary actors, but are controlled by IGOs
Global governance
UN member nations must protect peoples human rights - against war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing
UN Responsibility to protect
Comparative theories:
Views on IGOs
- Realist - IGOs exist to serve nations best interests
- Liberal - IGOs exist to facilitate cooperation between nation states
Non-state actors
- Religious groups
- Social movements
- TNCs
- IGOs
States act only according to their best interests
States are amoral
