Theory

Question 1

Classical realism 3 key thinkers…

Answer 1

Nietzsche, Hobbes, Machiavelli

Question 2

Hobbes - Key Ideas

Answer 2

Negative perception of human soul - “humans live in a state of nature … solitary, poor nasty brutish and short”
Humans are inherently selfish actors

Question 3

Machiavelli - Key Ideas

Answer 3

Writes “The Prince” - men are excessively self-interested
“better to be feared than to be loved”
Fox and Lion

Question 4

Nietzsche - Key Ideas

Answer 4

Calls humans the “herd” - we are fuelled by our culture, nationalism and identitiy = causes self-serving and irrational actors

Question 5

What was the Polepennesian War?

Answer 5

Starting in 431 BC - “growth of Athenian power and the fear which this caused in Sparta” = Thucydides Trap

Question 6

What differing thing do Classical Realism + Structural focus on?

Answer 6

Only conceives negative connotation about human nature - C

Negative connotations and outlook on actions of the state defined by anarchy - the absence of a central authority - S

Question 7

Defensive Realism - Waltz 1979

Answer 7

Domination is an unwise strategy for a country to pursue = seeking hegemony brings states into dangerous conflict
Recognise 2 things:
- Balance of power systems
- Polarity - distribution of power among great powers

Question 8

Offensive Realism (Mearscheimer 2001)

Answer 8

States are power maximisers - states become rational actors in order to survive
- Hegemony is the best strategy for a country to pursue

Question 9

Key foundations of Institutionalism (Keohane 1984)?

Answer 9

Microeconomic and Game theory = co-operation between nations is very possible = states lower tariffs and trade with each other

Question 10

3 core ways states can overcome uncertainty (Institutionalism)

Answer 10

1) extend time horizon for interactions - avoid a single round of co-operation - creates incentive to comply with agreements and forms stronger bonds
2) Institutionalism increases information about state behaviour
3) more efficient as trying to negotiate bi-lateral deals is long and time consuming (note Norway 15 years)

Question 11

Core ideas of Liberalism and IR?

Answer 11

1) Democratic Peace Theory (Doyle) describes the absence of war between states as consequence of mature liberal democracies
2) Moravcsik - states aren’t constantly seeking to survive and prosper in an anarchic system BUT collective groups and interests who project this interest into the international system

Question 12

What variables are important to Constructivists?

Answer 12

Military power, trade relations, international institutions, domestic preferences

Question 13

Constructivists core values (Wendt 2000)?

Answer 13

Variables are important due to the mix of history, ideas, norms, and beliefs which is needed to understand state behaviour (China acts realistically - not on the structure of the international state BUT historical culture)
Also a nod to NGO’s = ‘norm entrepreneurs’ able to influence state behaviour through rhetoric, lobbying and persuasion

Question 14

What is the Logic of Consequences (Olsen)

Answer 14

actions are rationally chosen to maximise the interest of the state

Question 15

What is the Logic of Appropriateness (Olsen)

Answer 15

ratioanality is heavily mediated by social norms