Theoretical approximations to the concept of security

Question 1

What is the difference between classical and neorealism on security?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Why do classical realists believe that states have a tendency to increase their military power?

Answer 2

They believe that the more power a state has, the more secure it is.

Question 3

What do neorealists say about the international structures and the state?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

What is the dominant theory after 9/11?

Answer 4

Realism

Question 5

What is the difference between the theory of defensive structural realism and offensive structural realism?

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

What doe the rise and fall theory of realism say?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What does the neoclassical approach say about the national interest of a state?

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Which idea is liberalism built upon, and what do they see as important?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Where do neoliberalists differ from classical liberalists?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

What has been the predominant approach to security since the 80s, and how does it see security?

Answer 10

The constructivist approach. It sees security as an intersubjective interaction such as the way discourse is used to shape the perception of a threat.

Question 11

What do constructivists try to avoid?

Answer 11

abstract and universal analytical definitions of security.

Question 12

Which concept did peace studies introduce?

Answer 12

eradicating war through peaceful means.

Question 13

What does the critical theory say about security?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

How does the feminist theory view security?

Answer 14

It considers the everyday life of women as well as women in international security, and say that there is no gender neutrality.

Question 15

Liberal feminism

Answer 15

Women in positions of power

Question 16

Radical feminism

Answer 16

Left-wing. Our role was gained when we were born and do therefore not recognize transgender women

Question 17

Feminist critical theory

Answer 17

Where are women in security? Who decides what security is?

Question 18

Feminist post-modernism

Answer 18

Queer theory: the roles of gender

Question 19

Postcolonial feminism

Answer 19

Non-western women

Question 20

How are women weaponized in wars?

Answer 20

through violence and rape, as well as labeling a woman wearing a burqa as a terrorist

Question 21

What does International Political Sociology say about security?

Answer 21

That the meaning of security is a product of securitization through taking an issue and treating it as a security issue

Question 22

Private goods

Answer 22

Rivalrous and excludable

ex: food, clothing, cars

Question 23

Common Goods

Answer 23

Limited, but most people have access to its

Rivalrous and Non-Excludable

ex: fish stocks, timber, coal

Question 24

Club Goods

Answer 24

Non-rivalrous and excludable

cinemas, private parks

Question 25

Public Goods

Answer 25

Non Rivalrous and non-excludable

air

Question 26

Is security a collective good?

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Can we say that security is excludable and rivalry, therefore a private good?

Answer 27

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

Question 28

The absence of threat is a (?)

Answer 28

collective good

Question 29

Deterrence is a (?)

Answer 29

club good as it is unlimited, but not everyone has access to it

Question 30

Survival is a (?)

Answer 30

Survival is a private good as we are not thinking about the collective, but rather about our own survival

Question 31

Which theory did Waltz develop in 1976?

Answer 31

The balance of power theory is where states balance against dominant powers in order to ensure that no state dominates the international system.

Question 32

What are the two types of balancing in Waltz’s balance of power theory?

Answer 32

1. Internal balance
   - national politics, ex coalition of political parties
2. External balance
   - alliance

Question 33

Which theory did Walt develop in 1987?

Answer 33

The Balance of Threat theory argues that states get together to balance against a threat rather than a power

Question 34

What are the four levels of external threats under Walt’s Balance of threat theory?

Answer 34

1. Distribution of capabilities
2. Geographic proximity
3. Offensive capabilities
4. Perceive aggressive intentions

Question 35

Which balancing theory is predominant?

Answer 35

Walt’s theory on the balance of threat

Question 36

What are the critics to Walt’s theory on the balance of threat?

Answer 36

Walt do not take into account the domestic factors. These are important; culture, ideology, interest, etc…

Question 37

When will states balance?

Answer 37

To avoid losses

Walt: ally against the prevailing threat

Question 38

When will states bandwagon?

Answer 38

To obtain gains

Walt: ally with the source of danger

Question 39

What does Walt say about Balancing and bandwagoning?

Answer 39

Balancing is more common

critics: bandwagoning is more common

Question 40

Where do Waltz and Schwelled differ in their views on balancing and bandwagoning?

Answer 40

Waltz says that they are opposites, while Schweller believes that they are not opposites but that states choose them for different reasons

Question 41

What is the most effective means to induce bandwagoning behavior?

Answer 41

Positive sanctions. They should not be forces as this might have a consequence later for the dominant partner