LM02- Theories of IR Flashcards
Provides a way of thinking about & approaching an area of scientific or scholarly inquiry that is widely accepted within a particular discipline
A Paradigm
A framework of concepts, assumptions helping to organize tools and technique of IR
A paradigm
provisional statements about how the world works, the casual explanation
theories
What do theories identify?
independent variables recurring relations between 2 or more variables explains how x & y relate and imapct each other
What are the four levels of analysis?
global, interstate, domestic, individual
Levels of analysis…
-provide a picture of the central forces that determine real world behavior -simplify reality in order to render it comprehensible -can help policy makers diagnose, predict, prescribe, and evalutate
Levels of analysis offer explanations for…
-level of security competition between states- including the likelihood of war and warpronness of states -level and forms of international cooperation ie alliances -the spread of ideas, norms, and institutions -transformation of particular international systems
application of assumptions=
application of theory
What are the 3 major IR theories
realism, liberalism, and constructivism
Historically realism is…
the primary school of though, very negative about the world, pessimistic
Liberalism is the primary competitor to
realism, opposite views on almost everything
Is Constructivism the earliest or oldest approach?
earliest
3 major assumptions of Realism
- State=most important actor 2.anarchy has powerful impact, world is anarchical with no overreaching power to keep states in check 3. power drives state activities, either to gain max relative power, or security through power, FP is used to preserve and expand power. Basically the world is a shitty place and people are self-serving assholes.
Under realism states must practice _____ in order to achieve goals
self-help
What is the ‘Security Delima’
constant expansion of all nations security leaves them as un-secure as before because non can be more secure than the others as they all keep up with each other.
Why is the balance of power important to realists?
States of relatively equal power will not fight, states constantly shift in power, attaining and giving it up to prevent combination by one group, and the system seeks equilibrium-yet also seeks power to maintain equilibrium.
Liberalism emerged during the
late 17 and 1800’s
Liberalisms foundation is provided by the teachings of
Kant and Rousseau
Liberalism focuses on what
the positives of society, peace and cooperation of peoples and states. Peace and Cooperation= absolute gain
World peace can be achieved
liberalism
Kants blueprints for peace
-Development of world federation to control powers of countries -peace that can depend on the international characteristics of governments -republics with a legislative branch can power check monarchies -TRADE important because or promotes peace, cooperation, and global well-being, because governments will not want to disrupt any process that adds to the wealth of their states.
Liberal institutionalism example
President Wilsons 14 points based on Kant’s ideas and principles of reciprocity
What are president Wilsons 14 points
-open peace treaty with no hidden agendas and meetings -freedom of the seas -reduce armaments to level for self-defense -self-determination -creation of organization to allow for the development of collective security
Liberal Commercialism
Economic interdependence grows when states rely upon each other for goods- creating cooperation between states. More economic exchanges=less war
economic globalization has reinforced the position of liberal commercialism because
the cost of disruption from war has increased-states don’t want to stop trade at the cost of war
What is one nation that remains outside of the global economy?
North Korea- self centered assholes
Liberal internationalism
proponents primarily draw heir views from Kant’s notion that republican government is an important source of ‘perpetual peace’
Democratic Peace Theory
democratic states will be peaceful with each other, more democracy= less war
What is the KEY to peace according to Liberal Internationalists
the expansion of republics and democracies
What is the Kantian Triangle
