Theoretical approximations to the concept of security Flashcards
What is the difference between classical and neorealism on security?
They both see states as the main actors in an anarchic system, but neorealists do not believe that they are rationalist actors such as classical realists do.
Why do classical realists believe that states have a tendency to increase their military power?
They believe that the more power a state has, the more secure it is.
What do neorealists say about the international structures and the state?
The believe that they are interacting units, and considers the importance of the world structure as they see a multipolar world as less stable than a bipolar one.
What is the dominant theory after 9/11?
Realism
What is the difference between the theory of defensive structural realism and offensive structural realism?
The defensive believes that there should be a balance of power between states as accumulating too much power will create incentives to attack. The offensive, on the other hand, believes that the more power a state has, the more secure it will be. They also consider the importance of regional hegemons.
What doe the rise and fall theory of realism say?
The rise and fall theory of realists is built on the idea that states throughout history have risen and fallen from their positions. It mainly focuses on the state position in the international system based on its power and says that the leading state will decide how the international system functions
What does the neoclassical approach say about the national interest of a state?
The Neoclassical approach says that the national interest of a state will determine its behavior in terms of security. What is done within the state will be done abroad.
Which idea is liberalism built upon, and what do they see as important?
Liberalism is base on Kant’s ideas of The Republic state being a peace producer through tools such as trans border economic transactions. It is said that states who trade will be less probable of going to war with each other. Liberals believes in the importance of international law and institutions to create peace and security. They also study the theory on the Democratic peace.
Where do neoliberalists differ from classical liberalists?
The Neoliberal institutionalism believes that the state is the main actor, but they still believe in the importance of institutions and international law, and recognize the existence of other international actors.
What has been the predominant approach to security since the 80s, and how does it see security?
The constructivist approach. It sees security as an intersubjective interaction such as the way discourse is used to shape the perception of a threat.
What do constructivists try to avoid?
abstract and universal analytical definitions of security.
Which concept did peace studies introduce?
eradicating war through peaceful means.
What does the critical theory say about security?
It says that it is not a concept in itself, but that it appears in relation to other factors such as the context and what we perceive as threats. It can therefore be used as an instrument based on our intentions such as justifying a war.
How does the feminist theory view security?
It considers the everyday life of women as well as women in international security, and say that there is no gender neutrality.
Liberal feminism
Women in positions of power
Radical feminism
Left-wing. Our role was gained when we were born and do therefore not recognize transgender women
Feminist critical theory
Where are women in security? Who decides what security is?
Feminist post-modernism
Queer theory: the roles of gender
Postcolonial feminism
Non-western women
How are women weaponized in wars?
through violence and rape, as well as labeling a woman wearing a burqa as a terrorist
What does International Political Sociology say about security?
That the meaning of security is a product of securitization through taking an issue and treating it as a security issue
Private goods
Rivalrous and excludable
ex: food, clothing, cars
Common Goods
Limited, but most people have access to its
Rivalrous and Non-Excludable
ex: fish stocks, timber, coal
Club Goods
Non-rivalrous and excludable
cinemas, private parks
Public Goods
Non Rivalrous and non-excludable
air
Is security a collective good?
It is debated. NATO says that it is while some say that not all human beings can expect the same level of protection. Ex: stateless people
Can we say that security is excludable and rivalry, therefore a private good?
It is often considered as such as the upper class can often have a higher level of security, and states will only provide security for their own citizens and those of their allies
The absence of threat is a (?)
collective good
Deterrence is a (?)
club good as it is unlimited, but not everyone has access to it
Survival is a (?)
Survival is a private good as we are not thinking about the collective, but rather about our own survival
Which theory did Waltz develop in 1976?
The balance of power theory is where states balance against dominant powers in order to ensure that no state dominates the international system.
What are the two types of balancing in Waltz’s balance of power theory?
- Internal balance
- national politics, ex coalition of political parties - External balance
- alliance
Which theory did Walt develop in 1987?
The Balance of Threat theory argues that states get together to balance against a threat rather than a power
What are the four levels of external threats under Walt’s Balance of threat theory?
- Distribution of capabilities
- Geographic proximity
- Offensive capabilities
- Perceive aggressive intentions
Which balancing theory is predominant?
Walt’s theory on the balance of threat
What are the critics to Walt’s theory on the balance of threat?
Walt do not take into account the domestic factors. These are important; culture, ideology, interest, etc…
When will states balance?
To avoid losses
Walt: ally against the prevailing threat
When will states bandwagon?
To obtain gains
Walt: ally with the source of danger
What does Walt say about Balancing and bandwagoning?
Balancing is more common
critics: bandwagoning is more common
Where do Waltz and Schwelled differ in their views on balancing and bandwagoning?
Waltz says that they are opposites, while Schweller believes that they are not opposites but that states choose them for different reasons
What is the most effective means to induce bandwagoning behavior?
Positive sanctions. They should not be forces as this might have a consequence later for the dominant partner
