Midterm

Question 1

rationalism

Answer 1

a form of theorizing that utilizes rational chopice explanations in its explanatory framework (rationality & Prisoner’s Dilemma)

Question 2

positivism

Answer 2

science myst be based on logically rigorous guidelines concerning appropriate methodological techniques & criteria for ensuring that knowledge claims are grounded in appropriate observations

• empiricism
• systematic observation
• explanatory theory

Question 3

ontology

Answer 3

theory of being (the existance of states, why do they exist & why do we hold them in such high regard?)

theoretical perspective

Question 4

methodology

Answer 4

theory of methods (methods being the tools we use to acquire knowledge)

Question 5

classical realism

Answer 5

stresses similarities, not the differences, between domestic & international politics (& the role of ethics & community in promoting order in both domains)

• themes: order, justice, community
• power (human nature) - morality, ethics , justice (possible & difficult)

Question 6

anarchy

Answer 6

no central authority

Question 7

polarity

Answer 7

the way in which power is distributed within the international system (bipolarity = 2 powers, multipolarity = 3+)

Question 8

offensive realism

Answer 8

maintain that sts should attempt to fain as much power as possible, which works to intensify SECURITY COMPETITION
- essentially as a st you should be powerful enough that you can protect your own survival

Question 9

democratic peace theory

Answer 9

a theory (by Kant) that democracies rarely, if ever, go to war or theraten violence against one another

Question 10

institutions

Answer 10

a set of rules that stipulate the ways in which sts should cooperate & compete w/ each other

Question 11

reflectivism

Answer 11

a term that rejects the rational choice methods & the POSITIVIST approach to knowledge generation of the rationalists theories in the study of WP

Question 12

post-positivism

Answer 12

interpretive approach rests on the conviction that meanings beliefs are th emost important factors in teh study of social processes & that the social inquiry could play on important role in uncovering the deep meanings that exist beneath the surface appearance of observed reality

• interpretation
• meanings and beliefs
• normative & critizal theory

Question 13

epistemology

Answer 13

theory of knowledge

theoretical perspective

Question 14

theory

Answer 14

a framework that explains how the international system works and how nations interact with each other

a series of causes & effects (explanatory); describe (what), explain (why), predict (if/them)

Question 15

neorealism

Answer 15

black boxes (see all sts as the same, meaning they all want the same thing)
- the international system is anarchic in nature and therefore sts need power in order to survive
- THERE IS NO CENTRAL AUTHORITY TO CALL IN A TIME OF DANGER
- power is a means to an end (aka survival)

Question 16

balance of power

Answer 16

a theory within international relations that posits state power is in flux and that states ensure their survival via preventing enduring military supremacy by any one state.

Question 17

security dilemma

Answer 17

describes how a state’s actions to increase its security can make other states less secure:

Question 18

prisoner’s dilemma

Answer 18

a game theory concept that can be applied to international relations to analyze strategic decision-making challenges between countries

each of whom can cooperate for mutual benefit or betray their partner (“defect”) for individual reward

Question 19

defensive realism

Answer 19

argue that systematic factors put significant limits on how much power sts can gain, which works to dampen SECURITY COMPETITION (all about balancing of powers, and not rocking the boat)
- signaling this mindset could fix the security dilemma

Question 20

neoliberalism

Answer 20

central concern is cooperation among sts & others actors (such as IO)

agree with realism: rationality, utility maximization, state are unitary actors

disagree with realism: interdependence > selfhelp, IOs (collective security) > balance of power