None

Theories of World Politics Concepts Liberalism Realism Theories of World Politics Concepts Liberalism Realism Neorealism Neoliberalism Concepts Paradigm: dominant way of looking at a particular subject; structures patterns of inquiry and interpretation Theory: set of hypotheses postulating relationships between variables; used to describe, explain, and predict; must be falsifiable and stand the test of time Concepts (cont) State: legal entity with permanent population, welldefined territory, and government able to exercise sovereign authority Nation: collection of people who identify with one another on the basis of ethnic, linguistic, or cultural affinity Power: ability of one actor to get another actor to do what it otherwise would not have done Liberalism holds that reason and ethics can overcome international anarchy to create a more orderly and cooperative world stresses the importance of international institutions also associated with “idealism” Aspects of Liberalism unity of humankind more important than national loyalties importance of the individual and promotion of human rights and civil liberties using ideas and education to promote world peace free international trade Aspects of Liberalism, cont. an end to secret diplomacy terminate interlocking bilateral alliances self-determination of nationalities promotion of democracy associated with President Woodrow Wilson and his Fourteen Points Realism Anarchy characterizes the international system. World politics is a struggle among self-interested states for power. Each state pursues its national interest. “Realpolitik”--states should be prepared for war in order to preserve peace Realism’ s Tenets People are selfish and ethically flawed and compete for self-advantage. People have an instinctive lust for power. Eradicating this instinct is not possible. International politics is a struggle for power. The prime obligation of the state is promoting the national interest. Realism’ s Tenets, continued Anarchical international system requires states to acquire military power. Military power is more important than economics. Do not trust allies. Resist international efforts to control state protection and institute global governance. Seek flexible alliances to maintain a balance of power Criticism of Realism could not explain increased cooperation after World War Two many of its propositions not easily testable: criticized by behavioral scientists disregards ethical principals focuses on military might at economic and social expense of states Neorealism accepts much of realism states’ behavior determined by differences in relative power all states have same objectives, but different capacities to realize them distribution of capacities determines structure of the international system global level of analysis Neoliberalism developed by critics of realism/neorealism focuses on how IGOs and other nonstate actors promote cooperation and peace examines how states cooperate with other and deemphasize conflict points to regional integration, especially the European Union The Quest for Theory: Realism • Key Units: Independent States • Core Concern: War and Security • Major Approach: Balance of Power • Outlook on Global Perspectives: Pessimistic/stability The Quest for Theory: Realism (cont.) • Motives of Actors: National interests; zero-sum competition; security; power • Central Concepts: Structural anarchy; power; national interests; balance of power; polarity • Prescriptions: Increase national power; resist reduction of national autonomy The Quest for Theory: Neorealism • Key Units: The International System’ s Structure • Core Concern: Struggle for position and power under anarchy • Major Approach: Balance of terror; military preparedness and deterrence • Outlook on Global Perspectives: Pessimistic The Quest for Theory: Neorealism (cont.) • Motives of Actors: Power, prestige, and advantage (relative gains) over other states • Central Concepts: Structural anarchy; rational choice; arms races • Prescriptions: Preserve nuclear deterrence; avoid disarmament and supernational organizations The Quest for Theory: Liberalism • Key Units: Institutions transcending states • Core Concern: Institutionalizing peace • Major Approach: International law; international organization; democratization • Outlook on Global Perspectives: Optimistic/Progress The Quest for Theory: Liberalism (cont.) • Motives of Actors: Collaboration; mutual aid; meeting human needs • Central Concepts: Collective security world order; law; integration; international organization • Prescriptions: Institutional reform The Quest for Theory: Neoliberalism • Key Units: Individuals; “penetrated” states and nonstate transnational actors • Core Concern: Fostering interstate cooperation on the globe’ s shared economic, social, and ecological problems • Major Approach: Complex inter-dependence and regimes • Outlook on Global Perspectives: Expectation of cooperation and creation of a global community The Quest for Theory: Neoliberalism (cont.) • Motives of Actors: Global interests (absolute gains); justice; peace and prosperity; liberty; morality • Central Concepts: Transnational relations; law; free markets; interdependence; integration; liberal republican rule; human rights; gender • Prescriptions: Develop regimes and promote democracy and international institutions to coordinate collective responses to global problems