Exam 1 part 2

Question 1

What distinguishes Neoclassical Realism from other forms of Structural Realism?

Answer 1

• Neoclassical realists see the idea of interdependence as fanciful as they focus on both structural factors and unit-level factors (national and international levels)
• Neoclassical Realists “theory of foreign policy” and “theory of international politics”

Question 2

What is the base-superstructure model?

Answer 2

• The mode of production of material life conditions the social, political and intellectual life
• The legal, political and cultural institutions and practices of a given society reflect and reinforce the pattern of power and control of the economy
• The changes in the economic base ultimately leads to change in the legal and political superstructure

Question 3

What are the main features of the periphery and the core in world-systems theory?

Answer 3

Periphery:

• Non-democratic governments
• Export: Raw Materials
• Import: Manufactures
• Below subsistence wages
• No welfare services

Core:

• Democratic Governments
• Export: manufactures
• Import: raw materials
• High investment
• Welfare services

Question 4

Who are the subalterns? What is the significance of subaltern studies?

Answer 4

Who?
-Subalterns denote groups so subordinated and even despised in their national societies that they had been cast out from nationalist activities and all national histories, local and international

Significance?
-Subaltern studies changed the perspective to how history and contemporary life looked from a subaltern’s (the poorest of the poor) perspective

-Theoretical and activist approaches to global politics

Question 5

Why has post-colonialism become an important subject in international relations?

Answer 5

• Post-colonialism and other critical approaches highlighted the many other locations and relations that were relevant to international events
• Use of literature, travelogues and diaries produce formal studies
• Gives a different view on subalterns