Exam Questions Flashcards
Discuss the main origins of WWI.
1) Competition for colonialism- Led to European powers racing to become more powerful through conquering African land to exploit their raw materials. Known as the ‘Scramble for Africa’ it happened from 1880-1914 and led to much tension between the powers. Strengthened and wealthened their empires in order to achieve hegemonic power. By owning as much as Africa, the empires could rapidly increase the strengths of their economy, military and weapons in order to gain as much dominance as possible, hegemony is desirable as it means ensured survival of a country.
2) Security Dilemma- negative view on human nature, Hobbes style, is a theory by Waltz that advocates that by one country improving the security of their country, they simultaneously minimise the security of others. This led to an arms race between the U.K. and Germany from 1891-1914. Britain took production of Deadnought class ships. Lack of security and arms race caused huge tension between countries to to suspicion.
3) multipolarity in anarchic system is unstable, miscalculation leads to war. After assassination of Franz Ferdinand, diplomatic relations became sour between the European countries leading blame to be shifted on Germany, with Germany getting the blame
Is anarchy what states make of it?
1) Anarchy in realist terms adopts a negative Hobbesian view of human nature and applies it to the state. As there is no nightswatchman to regulate laws, other states fear one another due to the chance of being attacked. Realists perceive anarchy as living in a self help world. The only source of protection they have is themself. This is why realists believe in the security Dilemma when each country becomes wary of another when another country raises its defence. E.g. WWI Germany Arms Race
2) Liberalism believes in the fear of anarchy too but in the 21st century with liberalism the most popular ideology, international organisations are essential to minimise anarchys effects and create interstate co operation. Liberalism constrains anarchys effects through democracies as democracies tend not to fight one another, just peacefully resolve. International Trade creates crucial interdependency in countries which means war is less likely to happen. Additionally, liberal organisations like the UN set up goals like military, regulation, security, health etc. in order to keep transparency between countries and a set of guidelines to follow- peace under anarchy.
3) Constructivism- Anarchy is a social construct of the states in the system. It is not inherent, it is constructed which hugely contrasts liberalism and constructivism. The structures of human association are determined primarily by shared ideas, not material forces.
Identities and interests of purposive actors are constructed by these shared ideas rather than given by nature.
Discuss reasons for WWII
1) Hitler restricted by Treaty of Versaille but expanded his airforce and navy obliviously. Britain and France were aware but ignored this as were concerned with the rise of communism so hoped Hitler would scare and communism into diffusion. In 1930s, Communism and Fascism on the rise- UK and France couldn’t keep thorough research on each country’s actions as there were too many risks. When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, UK and France had to start a war due to it being too late to prevent one. Multipolarity led to miscalculation.
2) Fear of Fascism and Germany becoming a hegemon. Germán empire had Austria and Czech Slovakia and becoming a true hegemon. Led to security Dilemma.
Would a nuclear Iran represent an existential danger for the US?
1) Iran needs nuclear weapons in order to survive due to being in the middle of an array on dangerous countries and to deter them. Neighbouring Iran it had an 8 year war with, Pakistan with its Taliban regime, and nearly coming to full blow with Afghanistan at the end of the millennium. Also, with Iran being Shia muslims, it has found itself in a Middle Eastern Cold War with Saudi Arabia due to their differences in Islamic Denominations. Pakistan and Israel, two neighbouring states, are Sunnis and both possess nuclear weapons leading to a defenceless Iran in a area of nuclearized enemies.
2) however, these enemies aren’t much of a threat anymore due to toppling of Taliban and Hussein in 2001. Due to the demise of Iraqs Sadam regime, Irans desire for nuclear weapons is not rational.
3) America is now Irans greatest security threat, Iran is surrounded by American military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan leading to Iran feeling vulnerable to their presence. Also with recent American presidents like Bush who have taken extreme measures on Iran and placed it under extreme sanctions. Trump criticises Nuclear Agreement which lifted Sanctions of Iran and thus stills sees Iran as a threat. Iran has had to dismantle its nuclear weapons and now with the trump administration, they could be as vulnerable as ever.
4) however, with the adoption of nuclear weapons, security Dilemma for the US who feel threatened and could take military action- maybe leading to another huge war.
