International Institutions in World Politics

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the role of international institutions in world politics?

They solely provide legal frameworks for state interactions.

They operate independently of any norms or rules.

They prescribe behavioral roles and shape expectations among actors. (correct)

They create absolute compliance among all international actors.

Which of the following types of international institutions primarily emphasizes the combination of rules and organizations?

International regimes (correct)

International norms

International law

Inter-governmental organisations

Which statement accurately reflects the characteristics of international rules?

International rules exist only for state actors and do not include non-state actors.

All international rules are inherently fair and morally good.

International rules are universally accepted without any controversy.

International rules can be either effective or ineffective depending on various factors. (correct)

What aspect is NOT associated with the concept of international organizations?

They are the only means through which international cooperation can occur. Signup and view all the answers

In analyzing international rules, which type of actors do these rules primarily involve?

They can involve both state and non-state actors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of international law in the context of state relations?

To define binding rights and responsibilities between states Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes international norms?

Informal standards that dictate appropriate behavior for international actors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between public international law and private international law?

Private international law deals with relationships between private individuals and entities across different countries Signup and view all the answers

What role does reciprocity play within substantive international norms?

It establishes expected behaviors between states that encourage mutual benefit Signup and view all the answers

How does the decentralized nature of the international legal system affect rule compliance?

It relies heavily on the voluntary choices and commitments of states and other actors Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage in the norm life cycle according to the discussed evolution of norms?

Norm emergence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the process of localization when receiving international rules?

Integration of international rules with existing local ideas resulting in a hybrid Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'policy entrepreneurs' play in the context of international norms?

They promote specific rules they believe are right and desirable to others. Signup and view all the answers

Contestation in the context of norms refers to which of the following?

The challenge against existing norms regarding their legitimacy or applicability. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is NOT a possible outcome for international rules as expressed in the content?

Normalization Signup and view all the answers

In the norm cascade phase, what happens after a 'tipping point' is reached?

It becomes unacceptable for more governments to reject the norm. Signup and view all the answers

What type of argument is exemplified by the prohibition of slavery in the context of persuasion?

Moral arguments Signup and view all the answers

What defines customary law in the context of international relations?

Rules based on a sense of legal obligation, often unwritten. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes general principles of law in international law?

Widely recognized rules that bind all actors, termed jus cogens. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'localization' refer to in the context of creating international rules?

The adaptation of international norms to domestic legal practices. Signup and view all the answers

According to Robert O. Keohane, which condition leads states to accept international rules?

The perceived benefits of cooperating under anarchy. Signup and view all the answers

Which stance does Lloyd Gruber take regarding the imposition of international rules by strong states?

The rules imposed serve the interests of strong states exclusively. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of rules that promote transparency in international relations?

They facilitate information-sharing and monitoring among states. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is likely when dominant states accept limits on their own power after a major war, as per John Ikenberry?

The rules imposed will be more acceptable to other states. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects a common misconception about joint gains in state cooperation?

Joint gains can only be achieved through coercive means. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

International Rules

The exam will cover lectures, slides, and assigned readings.
It will test the understanding of analytical concepts (e.g., anarchy, two-level game, multi-stakeholderism).
No data, historical events, or minor points from pg.36 will be on the exam.

Exam Format

Multiple Choice Questions (50%): Approximately 25 questions, choose the best answer from 4 options.
Open Questions (50%): Choose 2 of 6 concepts and write 2 mini-essays (200-300 words each) defining the concept and explaining its significance for understanding International Relations (IR).

Exam Example Questions (Multiple Choice)

Which statement best summarizes Concept X?
Which statement summarizes Author X's concept of Concept X?
Which argument is not associated with Concept X?
According to Concept X, which outcome is likely under conditions ABC?
Under which conditions is the phenomenon described by Concept X most likely to be found?

International Institutions and Rules

International norms & international law make up international rules.
International institutions, including international regimes and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), comprise the structure of global governance.
These institutions can be effective or ineffective, fair or unfair.
They sometimes involve only states, or also non-state actors.

International Institutions Function

International institutions prescribe roles, rights, and responsibilities of actors (e.g., states, NGOs).
They constrain activity by enforcing and providing incentives for certain actions.
They shape expectations, including guiding behavior and providing insights that other entities use to predict behavior.

Types of International Rules

Formal: International law, international regimes, formal IGOs.
Informal: International norms, informal IGOs.

International Norms

These are informally accepted standards for behavior, applicable to actors of a particular type.
Procedural norms define interaction processes, such as reciprocity and consultation.
Substantive norms define desired outcomes, including territorial integrity, national self-determination, human rights, etc.

International Law

Rules and principles recognized as binding on states and other international actors.
Public international law defines rights and responsibilities in relations between states and with individuals/private bodies.
Private international law covers relations between private bodies (individuals, companies) in different countries.

Anarchy and Law

The international legal system is decentralized, not hierarchical like domestic systems.
Rule-making, commitment, enforcement, and compliance depend heavily on the choices of states and other actors.

Sources of International Law

Treaty Law: Rules states agree to follow via treaties and conventions.
Customary Law: Widely accepted rules of behavior, sometimes unwritten, often formalized later via treaties (e.g., diplomatic immunity).
General Principles of Law: Rules found in national legal systems globally (including jus cogens - rules considered universally binding).

Sources of International Rules Evolution

Rational pursuit of joint gains.
Imposition (of norms by powerful actors).
Persuasion (by promoting norms as desirable).
Norm life cycle (from emergence to cascade to internalization).
Localization (adapting/merging international norms with local contexts).
Contestation (challenging norms' meaning, legitimacy, or applicability).

Effects of International Rules

Realist approach: States prioritize power, making rules unreliable.
Managerial approach: States intend to comply; inefficiencies lie within clarity of rules or capacity levels.
Incentives approach: Compliance is costly; therefore dependence on compliance monitoring and enforcement is high.
International socialization: States learn and adopt the norms of international society.
Domestic politics: Governments face domestic constituencies with differing compliance preferences, impacting compliance decisions.
Rule evasion: Intentional compliance with a rule's wording but not its purpose to lessen burdensome obligations.

Important concepts, actors, and readings

Policy entrepreneurs (diplomats, NGOs, activists, and scientists) can persuade states and publics.
Norm life cycle (Finnemore & Sikkink, 1998).
Localization (Acharya, 2004).
Contestation (Weiner, 2018).
The two-level game (Dai, 2005).
Readings by Keohane (1982), Nadelmann (1990), Haas (1992), Gruber (2000), Ikenberry (2001), and many others (as found in the provided text).
Key figures like Louis Henkin, Abram Chayes, Antonia Handler Chayes and similar others.

Additional Information

Upcoming lecture focus: Creation and design of international organizations

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Description

This quiz explores the pivotal role of international institutions in shaping world politics. It covers various aspects such as international rules, norms, and the differences between types of international law. Test your understanding of these essential concepts and their implications in global relations.