War and Peace

Question 1

IR Theory

Answer 1

set of conclusions that derive from illicit assumptions (if… then)

Question 2

Ways to Classify Theory (2)

Answer 2

1) Diagnostic Value
2) Prescriptive Value

Question 3

Diagnostic Value

Answer 3

what’s driving the event?

Question 4

Prescriptive Value

Answer 4

to what extent is a solution provided/created?

Question 5

Schools of Thought in Theory (3)

Answer 5

1) Realism
2) Liberalism
3) Contructivism

Question 6

Realism (5 key points)

Answer 6

1) Oldest prevailing theory (ancient - Machiavelli, Hobbes, etc.)
2) High at times of competition
3) International system is inherently/always ANARCHICAL; power shapes decisions
4) States are the most important actors; state interests take center stage w/ power shifts in background driving
5) Interaction creates nasty/competitive competition

Question 7

State Interests (2) - Realist Theory

Answer 7

1) States prioritize their own survival
2) Focus on power

Question 8

Outcomes of Realist Theory (4)

Answer 8

1) Cooperation is rare/short-lived
2) Conflict is natural (peace is unnatural)
3) History is cyclical (not linear) => war, peace, war, peace, war…..
4) Try to mitigate the bad times

Question 9

Machiavelli

Answer 9

sometimes you have to do evil to do good;
“Politics have no relations to morals”

Question 10

Modern Realism

Answer 10

human nature is neutral; rose following WWII; Cold War; 80s/90s

Question 11

Liberalism (4 key points)

Answer 11

1) Not all countries are the same
2) ECONOMIC relationships are important
3) INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS are important (WTO, UN, World Courts, etc.)
4) Strongest contemporary challenge to realism

Question 12

State Interests (2) - Liberal Theory

Answer 12

1) Survival - influenced by ideology, identity, and institutions
2) Countries react in different ways (“good” and “bad” states)

Question 13

Outcomes of Liberal Theory (4)

Answer 13

1) Cooperation is possible among similar states
2) Ways to improve market, increase cooperation, etc.
3) History => progress (linear, not cyclical)
4) War is a curable disease (not inevitable)

Question 14

How War Can Be Cured - Liberal Theory (3)

Answer 14

1) SPREAD OF DEMOCRACY can reduce war
2) ECONOMIC COMMERCE among states reduces anarchy/war
3) INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS can tame wars through LAWS/RULES

Question 15

Rise of Liberalism

Answer 15

Rose to dominance after WWI (“let’s never do that again”); 70s - OPEC, corporations, gas prices, etc. => interdependence/hyper-globalization

Question 16

Constructivism (4 key points)

Answer 16

1) New Age (80s)
2) Interests are constructed (not fixed)
3) Interests are social => stories of values as people/nations
4) Agents and structures influence each other (interests shape outcomes, outcomes shape interests)

Question 17

Outcomes of Constructivism (

Answer 17

1) Creation of new norms => drive out bad practices
2) Ideas can also be sources of division