Comparative theories Flashcards
What is the realist interpretation of international relations?
Realists believe that self-interested rational sovereign states are the key actors in an anarchical world.
States seek power, security and autonomy above all else.
Realists are sceptical of humanitarian intervention as they believe in the sovereignty of states.
There is an overlap between realism and conservatism, anarchical society –> Hobbes state of nature.
Strands of realism
Classical realists:
Human nature explains states behaviour.
- -> Machiavelli
- -> Hans Morgenthau
Neo-realist:
Anarchy explains states behaviour
- -> John Mearsheimer
- -> Kenneth Waltz
What is the liberal interpretation of international relations?
The international system creates opportunities for cooperation and conflict.
Liberals believe in a rules-based international system states can create IGOs to mitigate anarchy.
Liberals believe there are several actors in global politics.
They believe in IGOs and cooperation rather than conflict.
Liberal thinker
Robert Keohane
Argued that it is more rational and increasingly in states rational interest to find more ways to cooperate with each other.
Why do realists believe that global politics leans toward conflict?
+ example
They believe that the natural state of the world order is for states to compete with each other, therefore states are often in conflict with each other.
This is because states are self-interested and we live in an anarchical world, meaning states are sovereign to do as they wish and there is no authority capable of stopping them.
e.g. –> Security dilemma.
What do liberals mean by complex interdependence?
+ analogy
Complex interdependence is the belief that states and their fates are linked, aka, globalisation.
Analogy: Spiderweb diagram, the cobweb model represents the links between states, if one strand breaks the cobweb may begin to disintegrate –> demonstrating the way states are dependent on one another.
Post-2000 examples of liberalism in international relations.
The Millennium and Sustainable development goals.
The Establishment of the ICC
Introduction of R2P in 2005
2009 G20 agreed not to resort to protectionism during the financial crisis.
2015 Paris Climate agreement
Post-2000 examples of realism in international relations?
2014 Russian annexation of Crimea
2016, America declared it would leave the ICC as it was no longer in its national interest.
Some members of the Schengen agreement reimposed border controls due to the refugee crisis.
Presidents Trumps pledge to build a wall.
How does liberalism differ from realism in its belief about human nature?
Liberals have a more optimistic view of human nature, they are more committed to liberty and freedom (human rights). They are more committed to cooperation thus they believe in IGOs such as the UN.
Niccolo Machiavelli
- classic or neo realist?
- quote
Classical realist
“They are ungrateful, fickle, liars and deceivers”
- Niccolo Machiavelli
Hans Morgenthau
- classic or neo realist?
- quote
Classical realist
“The social world is but a projection of human nature into the collective plane”
- Hans Morgenthau 1948
John Mearsheimer
- classic or neo realist?
- quote
Neo Realist
“In the anarchic world of international politics, it is better to be Godzilla than Bambi”
- John Mearsheimer 2006
Kenneth Waltz
- classic or neo realist?
- quote
Neo Realist
“War occurs because there is nothing to prevent it”
- Kenneth Waltz 1959
State and globalisation- links with realism
States are becoming less autonomous and more interconnected.
Realists are more likely to argue that globalisation has been overstates and states remain the dominant actor in global politics.
States are willing and able to put the brakes on globalisation.
–>e.g. Brexit
Political and economic global governance- links with realism.
A liberal would say the UN is a highly important actor, however, realists have little faith in the UN and would say it is an unreliable institution and won’t necessarily come to your aid if you need it to.
–> The UN charter is committed to state sovereignty –> Westphalian principles 1648 e.g. non-intervention and state sovereignty.
They believe states can and should guard their sovereignty
The UN can violate sovereignty through humanitarian interventions
Human Rights and Environmental – links with realism
The UN is increasingly willing to violate sovereignty through R2P which says sovereignty is conditional –> realists fear this
Moreover, these humanitarian interventions are considered by realists as misguided endeavours as they might make you more vulnerable as you are “wasting” money and manpower on a moral crusade.
Security Dilemma
According to realists , all states want to protect themselves against threats from other states therefore they may decide to build up their military power.
However, other states may see this military buil
Security Dilemma
According to realists , all states want to protect themselves against threats from other states therefore they may decide to build up their military power.
However, other states may see this military build up as a threat and may respond by building up their own military resources.
Example:
This is perhaps best shows in the tensions between Russia and former soviet states that have now joined NATO.
Also seen in the middle east between Saudi Arabia and Iran who both compete for regional power and continue to challenge each other
Is power currently balanced or unbalanced in world politics?
explain
Since 9/11 a more multipolar global order has emerged with many states and non-state actors e.g. Al-Qaeda , challenging each other for power.
–> therefore, power is currently imbalanced in global politics.
Liberalism beliefs
- states are not the only actors in global politics
- -> IGOs and NGOs
- International law is possible and desirable
- -> UNDHR
- Liberals reject the idea of a “zero sum game”, the belief that global politics is about one state winning and another loosing.
- There is mutual benefit to states cooperating with one another.
- -> such as security, trade and development.
- They believe democracy plays a key role in keeping states safe and peaceful.
- -> Democratic states are less likely to fight
- -> democratic peace theory..
Liberalism beliefs
- states are not the only actors in global politics
- -> IGOs and NGOs
- International law is possible and desirable
- -> UNDHR
- Liberals reject the idea of a “zero sum game”, the belief that global politics is about one state winning and another loosing.
- There is mutual benefit to states cooperating with one another.
- -> such as security, trade and development.
- They believe democracy plays a key role in keeping states safe and peaceful.
- -> Democratic states are less likely to fight
- -> democratic peace theory..
- International trade binds states together in common interests
- -> complex interdependence
Complex interdependence
definition
- explanation
The idea that states and their fortunes are inextricably linked.
Globalisation has facilitated complex interdependence as it has created increased links between states due to improved communication and technology.
Key example of complex interdependence
The 2008 financial crisis demonstrated the extent to which states and their fortunes are linked.
With the collapse of the Lehman Brothers in America the effects were felt across the global banking system
Liberalism and state sovereignty
- States are important actors in global politics but they work within a complex web of interdependence with other non-state actors.
- Sovereignty exists to be used to a states advantage- this may mean pooling sovereignty with other states in an IGO such as the EU.
- Another state’s sovereignty may be infringed upon if it is necessary to uphold the values and interests of the international community.
- -> For example under the doctrine of R2P if human rights abuses are taking place.
