Lecture 7

Question 1

Anarchy

Answer 1

Lack of overarching central authority -> compels states to become more secure

Question 2

Realism

Answer 2

Zero-sum game: states are self-interested: rational states will constantly try to gain power by a)increasing their power and /or b) undermining others’ power
Conflict is inevitable
Instruments: military & economic might

Question 3

Security dilemma

Answer 3

Efforts to increase security are premised on ability to accurately assess threats (intentions and capabilities) and respond proportionately
Incomplete information, irrationality, many actors can make threat miscalculation highly likely
Increasing one’s security can unintentionally make one feel more insecure

Question 4

Liberalism

Answer 4

States are more concerned about absolute gains (everyone can benefit from cooperation) instead of relative gains, not a zero-sum game
Conflict is avoidable, through cooperation between states in these manners: institutions, interdependence & democracy
Institutional liberalism/ neoliberal institutionalism (supranational institutions)
Economic interdependence
Democratic peace theory (liberal internationalism) – political cost borne by war too high

Question 5

Constructivism

Answer 5

International system is socially constructed (the existence of states and how they relate to each other are not simply a matter of fact but are based off ideas)
State behavior is important but is shaped by elite beliefs, collective norms & social identities