International Relations Flashcards
What is a state and a nation?
State: one single government has exclusive control (sovereignty) over its territory
Nation: a group of people sharing something in common such as ethnicity, history, culture, identity
What are the 3 International Relations Theories?
Realist, Liberalism, Imperialism
What is the Realist Concept
Concepts:
Amoral – Realism sees international politics as driven by power and self-interest, not morality or ethics.
Polarity – The global distribution of power (unipolar, bipolar, or multipolar) shapes state behavior and international stability.
Interests – States prioritize national interests, such as security and economic power, over ideological concerns.
Balance of Power/Threat & Alliances – States form alliances to counter stronger rivals and maintain stability in the international system.
Balancing, Bandwagoning & Hedging – States either balance against threats, align with stronger powers, or hedge by engaging with multiple powers for security.
Security Dilemma – When one state increases military power for security, others do the same, leading to an arms race and heightened tensions.
Relative over Absolute Gains – States focus on gaining more power than rivals rather than just improving their own position.
Power Transition – Rising powers challenging dominant states often lead to conflict or war as global influence shifts.
What is the Realist Theory
No World Government, Anarchy Prevails – The international system lacks a central authority, meaning states must rely on self-help to ensure their security.
States are Selfish, Try to Maximize Their Power – States act in their own self-interest, seeking power and security over cooperation or morality.
States Use Nationalism to Influence and Control Their Populations – Governments promote nationalism to unify citizens, justify policies, and maintain domestic control.
War and Conflict are Inevitable – Due to competition for power and security, conflict is seen as an unavoidable part of international relations.
History is Circular, No Progress – Realists believe international politics repeats cycles of power struggles, war, and alliances, with no permanent peace or progress.
Thucydides, Hans Morgenthau, Reinhold Niebuhr as Examples of Classical ‘IR Realists’ – These scholars emphasized power, self-interest, and the inevitability of conflict in global politics.
Problem of Self-Fulfilling Prophecy – If states assume conflict is inevitable, they act aggressively, making war more likely.
Most Popular Among the Security/Military Industries – Realism is widely accepted in military and defense sectors, where power and security are top priorities.
What is liberal internationalism?
International Organizations – Organizations like the United Nations and ASEAN help unite countries to solve global problems through cooperation and dialogue.
International Law – International law provides rules and agreements that help reduce anarchy, making global interactions more predictable and peaceful.
Economic Exchange – Trade and economic interdependence between countries reduce the likelihood of war, as countries have mutual interests in maintaining peace for economic benefit.
Education and Learning from Repeated Interactions – Through repeated interactions, nations learn the benefits of cooperation, making peace more desirable and sustainable over time.
Norms of Human Rights and Democratic Governance – Universal norms, such as human rights and democracy, promote global values that encourage peaceful and just international relations.
Interdependence/Republican/Neoliberal Institutionalism – These theories argue that economic interdependence, democratic governance, and international institutions can foster cooperation, stability, and peace among states.
What are the Liberal IR concepts?
Reason & Rationality (Immanuel Kant) – Immanuel Kant argued that reason and rationality can guide states toward peaceful relations through cooperative actions and agreements.
Progress – Liberals believe that humanity and international relations can progress, with society evolving toward greater peace, cooperation, and justice over time.
Domestic Influences International – Domestic factors, such as political systems, social movements, and values, shape a state’s foreign policy and its relations with other countries.
Democratic Peace Theory (Monadic & Dyadic) – This theory argues that:
Monadic: Democracies are less likely to go to war with anyone.
Dyadic: Democracies are less likely to fight other democracies.
Trade/Interdependence/Multilateralism – Trade and economic interdependence reduce the likelihood of conflict, and multilateralism promotes cooperation through international agreements and institutions.
International Organizations/Institutions/Law – International organizations, institutions, and laws are key mechanisms to regulate relations, promote cooperation, and resolve conflicts between states.
League of Nations/United Nations – The League of Nations (1920-1946) and the United Nations (1945-present) are international institutions aimed at promoting peace, security, and cooperation among states.
Non-state Actors – Non-state actors, such as NGOs, multinational corporations, and activists, play a significant role in influencing global politics and promoting international cooperation.
Transnational Cooperation/Regional Integration (Example of the European Union) – Regional integration like the European Union fosters economic, political, and social cooperation among neighbouring countries to maintain peace and stability.
What are the Theories of Imperialism?
World-System is divided between rich and poor countries
Rich countries get richer at the expense of the poor countries and poor countries do not catch up to the rich because they are exploited by the rich.
Solution: Domination within and between countries has to be checked by countervailing structures of power (i.e. unity among those subordinated)
What is the Structural Theory of Imperialism?
Center & Periphery nations
- Each have their own center & periphery
- Relationship is asymmetrical & uneven
- Overall disharmony in living conditions
- Center exercises imperialism over periphery
- Two centers are in harmony
- Unequal Exchange (Manufactured Goods are traded for Raw Materials)
- Inter-actor and Intra-actor effects
- Divide and Rule
- Multiple Forms and Stages of Imperialism
