Definitions- Theory

Question 1

What is rational choice theory?

Answer 1

Core asssumption: individual actors make decisions based on core self-interests ( according to IR this theory is a way to determine international actors behaviour i.e. pursue decisions based on self interest personal matters and rational matter)

Question 2

What are the criticisms (strengths/weaknesses) of rational choice theory?

Answer 2

Strength: encourages greater payoffs, encourages actors to make rational decisions weighing personal costs and benefits
Weakness: it explains why an actor will make a decision but does not help make decisions
Lacks inclusivity and despite the name is not wholly rational, needs to be more culturally aware

Question 3

What is institutional theory?

Answer 3

Focuses on the role of institutions, structure and dynamics that govern. More informal and broader, i.e. more cultural (neo-institutionalism)

Question 4

What is structural theory?

Answer 4

networks, relationships and power, interdependencies- outcome of relationship between actors- structural power and hierarchy in different systems and the outcomes of these power systems in different countries

Question 5

What is a cultural approach?

Answer 5

Shared beliefs, values and norms of a group of people and how society subscribes and responds- multiculturalism- leads to tensions and difficulties in countries

Question 6

Interpretivist Approach?

Answer 6

interested in ideas, world doesn’t exist beyond ideas. How these ideas and values filter the way we act and see the world, which will influence people and events.

Question 7

What are the five main theories to approach an understanding of comp. pol. phenomenoms?

Answer 7

1. Institutional
2. Rational Choice
3. Cutural
4. Interpretivist
5. Structural