POLARITY AND POWER

Question 1

What is Polarity?

Answer 1

The degree to which power (power,economic,military,cultural) is concentrated among the poles in the international system.

Question 2

UNI-POLAR SYSTEM?

BI-POLAR SYSTEM?

MULTI-POLAR SYSTEM?

Answer 2

• A single dominant power, a hegemon, exists, e.g the USA immediately after the Cold War.
• Two dominant powers, e.g the USA and USSR during the Cold War, tend to be stable but also on the brink of war.
• Multiple major powers compete for dominance over others, e.g our system today as American hegemony declines, and is challenged by China, Russia, EU etc.

Question 3

What did neo-realist Kenneth Waltz say about polarity, which is most effective?

Answer 3

The unpredictability of multi-polar systems increase the likelihood of conflict, and instead bi-polar systems are the most stable, as the relative equality between the two poles reduces the chances of large-scale conflict between them - e.g Cold War.

Question 4

What did classical-realist Hans Morgenthau think about polarity, which is the most effective?

Answer 4

Multi-polar systems are the least war-prone, as shifting alliances and balances of power can mitigate against conflict.

Question 5

What is the Realist view on the COLD WAR? give specific examples.

Answer 5

• ensured peace and stability, balance of power, no side capable of eliminating the other due to fear of mutual assured destruction.

STRATEGIC ARMS LIMITATIONS TREATY 1972

HELSINKI ACCORDS 1975

Question 6

What is the Liberal view on the COLD WAR? give specific examples.

Answer 6

• a dangerous and destabilising period, as both sides competed to advance their military and economic interests at the expense of the other, creating fear, suspicion, and hostility.

CUBA MISSILE CRISIS - USSR seeking to advance arms race, may have sparked a catastrophic nuclear war.

PROXY WARS - Vietnam War, north vs south

RONALD REAGAN, dramatically increases arms spending and development.

Question 7

Liberal criticisms on the BALANCE OF POWER

Answer 7

• it entrenches power politics, creating inherent instability.
• must focus on finding alternatives, like establishment of organisations like the UN, as public agreements create a system of collective security opposed to private agreements between individual states.

Question 8

Realist theory on the BALANCE OF POWER

Answer 8

• neo-realists : balance of power will arise automatically, as states in a self-help system are likely to prevent hegemonic domination. Balance of power is imposed by events.
• overall view it as in strongly positive terms, as can lead to stability.
• classical-realist : balance of power is a policy, makers of foreign policy enjoy freedom of manoeuvre.