THEORIES OF IR (1) Flashcards
Define what a theory is.
A Theory is a simplification of the world for us to help better understand it.
List the prominent theories in IR
Realism
Liberalism
Constructivism
The English School
Marxist theories
Post-structuralism
Feminism
What is the Oldest / most dominant theory within IR?
Realism
What are the 4 Realist assumptions? Hint SSSE
1) States = the only relevant actor
2) States live in a self-help system of government
3) States interests lie in increasing security and power
4) Emphasis on relative gains
What gains do realists like to emphasize?
Relative gains
Who are some of the philosophical precursors to realism?
Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes
What notion did Hobbes hold about states of nature and states of war?
That states of nature = state of war
What does Classical realism emphasize?
Classical realism focuses on human nature to explain state behaviour, with the underlying assumption that human nature = is selfish/power-driven
Name two important classical realist thinkers.
E.H Carr and Hans Morgenthau
What is Neorealism’s main focus?
Neorelasim emphasizes state behaviour within the international system.
What do Neorealists argue?
That states are security maximizers
Who are some important NEO realists?
Kenneth Waltz’ and John Mearsheimer
What is the difference between Classical, Neo, and Neoclassical Realism?
Classical realists focus on human behaviour while neo-realists focus on the state and its place within the international system. Neo-classical realists, however, meld these two notions together by focusing on both the state’s role in the international system as well as with the internal structure of the state.
What does Neoclassical realism focus on?
Neoclassical realism focuses on both the internal aspects of the state (national) and the external affairs of the state (international)
List three propositions of neo-classical realism. HINT Security, Balance, Hegemonic
1) the security dilemma thesis
2) Balance of power theory
3) Hegemonic stability theory
What are the three main critiques of realism?
Too pessimistic about anarchy
Too state-centric
Has severe difficulties in accounting for change
What is Liberalism also referred to as?
utopianism / idelasim
What are the core assumptions of liberalism? Hint Central but not only, interdependence and these types of gains
States are central actors but not the only ones
Anarchy is mitigated by interdependence and international institutions
Emphasis placed on absolute gains
strong belief in human progress
Who were the philosophical Precursors of liberalism?
Locke and Grotius, Kant, Smith and Bentham, Wilson.
What does classical/old liberalism suggest?
Saw human nature as progressive, and believed behaviour could be shaped by institutions. Emphasis on individual freedoms through democracy and market capitalism
What does classical liberalism suggest shapes state interests?
Domestic factors
When did Neoliberalism emerge?
1970
What does neo-liberalism argue?
Argues that institutionalism dampens international anarchy and that economic interdependence is important
