Lecture 1 Flashcards
Theory definition
Theory is like grammar, it helps form a conceptual model which helps to analyse inter system. It helps to analyse causes of events in IR. Theory is a system of explanations that can be explained by events in history of IR/ help to understand complex reality. Theory is an accepted hypothesis. No theory can help to understand the world.
Theory functions
It explains what is happening, why it’s happening and predict what will happen. To understand the world, make predictions and reflect what is happening in the real world. Different agendas are explained by different theories. Cox - theories were done for someone, they are not objective and have certain perspective and set of values.
Hoffman simile
Theories are like airplanes as they go to different directions and with different altitudes
History of ideas of IR
Description of genetic development of concepts, doctrines of thought of IR
History of IR as a scientific discipline
Systematization of institutional development of discipline
Philosophy of IR
Analysis of norms of existing international society
Epistemology of IR
Meta-reflection of assumptions, formation of criteria for deciding on logical and scientific status of general statements
Cognitive map
Helps to link cause and effect, organises reality
Epistemology
Branch of philosophy that studies how we produce and acquire knowledge
Ontology
Branch that studies the nature of being - things that exits in our minds
Positivist theories
Share a common feature
Post-positivst theories
Denounce objective truth about social life, reject possibility of science in IR
Normative theory
Prescribes means for achieving spceific goals
Empirical theory
Clear verifiable statements about relationships between variables
Stages of theories
1) 1909-1919 formation
2) WWII and becoming theoretical search
3) Approving scientific validity of IR search
1940s-60s realism
1960-70 neomarxism
1970-1990 neorealism, liberalism
1990 - rationalism
4) Revision
1990s constructivism
Factors important for IR
Causes that are common, that have most impact, that we can change
Kenneth Waltz 3 images of analysis
From “Man, the State and War”. 1959. 3 levels to categorize all theories of war and conflict
1st image/ level
Individual. Individual decision making, question of perception, role of individual policymakers on local and global levels, analysis of states’ behavior from pov of individuals. Behavior of a state depends on the leader’s understanding of inter system. EG Rus-West-EU conflict about Ukraine
2nd image
State. Hard to analyse. Policymaking has to be done in a certain political structure. States’ behavior as a result of development at national level.
3rd image
System level. Introduced by Waltz. Analyses state by looking at the international system. Key factor of inter system is power of state. States’ characteristics change based on the Inter system. EG change from bipolar to unipolar system in the 90s
Singer
- “Level of analysis problem in IR”. Ignored the 1st level.
