Theories Flashcards
What are the two assumptions in Classical Realism?
- There must be anarchy in the international system (no central authority telling states what to do)
- States are the main actors (corporations, NGOs, etc. are not important)
What is the first principle of Classical Realism?
The behavior of states can always be predicted.
Like science.
State behavior/decision-making process never changes.
What is the second principle of Classical Realism?
Realist policies are rational.
They make pro/con or cost/benefit analyses.
What is the third principle of Classical Realism?
Every state only wants/makes decisions based on two things: (the increase of) power and (safeguarding of) security.
According to Classical Realism, states are not _______.
normative (based on ethics or morals)
What is the fourth principle of Classical Realism?
Realists aren’t as terrible as they sound. They make decisions based on power and security, but they do acknowledge that their decisions can have normative (or realist) consequences. They take this into account when making pro/con lists.
What is the fifth principle of Classical Realism?
There are no good or evil states.
All are acting with the intent to better their country through power and security.
What is the sixth principle of Classical Realism?
Economics plays no role in politics.
It shouldn’t influence the state’s decisions about power and security.
containment theory
preventing the spread of Communism
Neorealism = ?
New Realism
What sub-theory is under Neorealism?
Balance of Power Theory
What is the first principle of Neorealism?
Economics doesn’t belong in politics.
What is the second principle of Neorealism?
States are the main actors.
What is the third principle of Neorealism?
States seek security and power.
What is the fourth principle of Neorealism?
There’s anarchy in the international system.
There is no world government.
What is the fifth principle of Neorealism?
States do not have free agency.
The structure of the international system influences their decision.
Balance of Power
Balance of Power
The international system wants to be balanced between two powers.
If you want peace, you must have a bipolar international system.
According to Neorealism, the structure of the international system always wants a ____ system.
bipolar
What is the sixth principle of Neorealism?
Relative v. Absolute Gains
States are only concerned with Relative Gains.
What is the Realist position on Relative v. Absolute Gains?
Realists want the same or more than everyone else.
Stephen Walt (Balance of Threat) agreed with the ____ theory.
Neorealism
What two things does Balance of Threat involve?
balancing and bandwagoning
When will you see balancing?
when other states see the hegemon as a threat
bandwagoning
allying with a threat
What is the first condition under which you’ll see bandwagoning?
The weaker the state, the more likely it is to bandwagon.
What is the second condition under which you’ll see bandwagoning?
If you are an isolationist state, you can’t find states nearby to ally with (to balance against hegemon), so they bandwagon with the hegemon.
What is the third condition under which you’ll see bandwagoning?
During a war, a state may see they’re on the losing side and switch sides.
Describe the pyramid in Power Transition Theory.
- Hegemon (USA)
- Great Powers (China, Russia, South Africa, Brazil, India, UK)
- – Medium Powers (Japan, Germany, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Australia, Spain)
- — Small Powers (Central America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Luxembourg, Moldova)
According to Power Transition Theory, what 5 things are needed to be the hegemon?
- Must have sizable population.
- Must have a fairly large territory.
- Good number of natural resources (oil, etc)
- Need large military.
- Need a stable government.
In Power Transition Theory, the hegemon sets the ____ ___.
status quo
The hegemon doesn’t need to worry about revisionist states unless…
great powers are revisionists.
What will eventually happen according to Power Transition Theory?
One of the great powers will challenge the status quo and/or the hegemon.
When is the Power Transition Theory weak?
during world wars
The Power Transition Theory does not allow for a ____ international system. It presumes a _____ international system.
bipolar; unipolar
According to Power Transition Theory, hegemons live without challenge for ___ to ___ years.
60 to 90 years
According to Power Transition Theory, after 60-90 years, the hegemon will…
face a challenge to their status quo by a great power.
What five things does liberalism entail?
- power of the individual (little role for the state); limited government
- Democracy is the best form of government (liberalism will also cover non-democratic states)
- capitalism/free markets/trade
- International cooperation
- progress
Why does the government exist in a (truly) liberal state?
to enforce contracts/agreements
Because there is limited government in liberalist states, individuals can…
control their own lives.
Do liberalists believe in change?
yes
The End of History theory deals with types of ____.
government
What type of government does the End of History theory believe is best?
democracy
According to End of History theory, what will happen if every state is democratic?
There will be no more war or conflict. The End of History will occur.
Describe the Dialectic: Forms of Government.
Tribal -> Slave-owning -> Theocratic -> Democracy (End of History)