International Relations and Power Concepts
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International Relations and Power Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is the ultimate aim of the harmony of interest between various social groups?

  • To enhance economic productivity
  • To promote international trade
  • To establish a democratic government
  • To assist in a process of human emancipation (correct)
  • Which characteristic is associated with the core tier in the world systems theory?

  • No welfare services
  • Low wages
  • Non-democratic governments
  • High investment (correct)
  • Which of the following accurately describes the economic dynamic between the core and periphery?

  • The core relies on manufacturing and exports raw materials to the periphery.
  • The rich get richer while the poor stay poor due to exploitation. (correct)
  • The periphery imports raw materials from the core and exports services.
  • The periphery has a high standard of living supported by the core.
  • What role does the semi-periphery play in the world systems theory?

    <p>It stabilizes the political structure of the world system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Marx's prediction, what is necessary for a transition from capitalism to socialism?

    <p>The occurrence of a revolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of hard power in international relations?

    <p>Brute force and coercion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theoretical approach prioritizes national interest and power in the context of international relations?

    <p>Realism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theoretical approach focuses on creating a peaceful order through global cooperation?

    <p>Liberal internationalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what fundamental way does constructivism differ from realism and liberalism?

    <p>It focuses on shared ideas and social norms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect does Marxism highlight as crucial in understanding world politics?

    <p>The significant impact of capitalism and class struggle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the term 'multiplex order' in international relations?

    <p>It indicates a decentered, diverse, and pluralistic framework.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the content differentiate between 'international' and 'global' in relations?

    <p>International focuses on state-to-state, while global includes transnational actors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theoretical approach is characterized by its focus on gender dynamics in international relations?

    <p>Feminism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main types of international orders mentioned?

    <p>Formal and informal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event is commonly identified as the starting point for the modern international order?

    <p>The Peace of Westphalia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has significantly contributed to the rise of the West in recent history?

    <p>Imperialism and global capitalism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do non-state actors influence world events according to the content?

    <p>They can drive major world events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'great divergence' refer to in the context of international relations?

    <p>The disparity in development between imperial states and other regions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key focus of the first wave of industrialization in the 19th century?

    <p>Cotton, iron, and coal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact have emancipation movements had on international relations?

    <p>They have led to a focus on gender and non-Western perspectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a factor listed contributing to the need for studying new problems in international relations?

    <p>A return to isolationist policies in Western states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the factors contributing to the securitization of global connectivity?

    <p>Geo-economic competition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which perspective argues that the liberal world order disguises the reality of US hegemony?

    <p>Marxist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do transformationalist accounts suggest about globalization and the liberal world order?

    <p>They believe these issues have been overstated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which development is NOT mentioned as part of reglobalization?

    <p>Rise of renewable energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do realists perceive the potential collapse of the liberal world order?

    <p>They fear the negative consequences it may bring.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best characterizes China's role in the current global economy?

    <p>It is a principal force for globalization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the general view about the effects of 'snowbalization' in the context of reglobalization?

    <p>It signifies an acceleration of globalization processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy do states utilize to reduce potential vulnerabilities in global connectivity?

    <p>Strategic autonomy strategies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main ways colonialism is characterized in postcolonial thought?

    <p>As a system of (total) violence affecting various dimensions of life</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the economic and political structure that maintains control over supposedly independent states?

    <p>Neo-colonialism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scholar group is associated with the study of Eastern cultures and often supported imperialist narratives?

    <p>Orientalists</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept represents the tendency to center European perspectives in history and global narratives?

    <p>Eurocentrism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'subaltern' refer to in the context of postcolonial thought?

    <p>Social positions of the colonized and marginalized</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is characteristic of neo-colonialism?

    <p>It often leads to the presence of foreign military forces in independent nations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical context did resistance to colonialism gain significant momentum?

    <p>Early 20th century with improved infrastructures and anti-colonial ideas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one effect of cultural and linguistic imperialism as described in the context of colonialism?

    <p>Psychological and cultural destruction through racism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does postcolonial theory challenge traditional Western interpretations of global politics?

    <p>Postcolonial theory challenges these interpretations by emphasizing the lasting impact of colonial histories on contemporary power structures and inequalities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of hegemony imply in the context of Marxist theory?

    <p>Hegemony implies the leadership or dominance of one social group over others, where the ruling class secures consent from the proletariat through cultural norms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In World Systems Theory, what economic relationship exists between the global South and the global North?

    <p>The global South is economically dependent on the North, exporting raw materials and importing expensive manufactured goods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Identify a key difference between Marxism and Neorealism in international relations.

    <p>Marxism focuses on economic structures and class struggles, while Neorealism emphasizes security and state behavior in an anarchic system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of class struggle does Marxism emphasize in the international context?

    <p>Marxism emphasizes how imperialism enables the bourgeoisie to mitigate class conflict within Western states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to dependency theory, what are the declining terms of trade experienced by the global South?

    <p>Declining terms of trade refer to the rising cost of manufactured goods in relation to the prices of raw materials from the global South.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do historical power structures analyzed in postcolonial theory affect international relations today?

    <p>These historical power structures create persistent inequalities and conflicts that are deeply embedded in contemporary global relations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern of World Systems Theory regarding global economic interactions?

    <p>World Systems Theory is primarily concerned with the hierarchical relationships and dependencies that exist between core, semi-periphery, and periphery nations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is institutional isomorphism and how does it relate to the internationalization of norms?

    <p>Institutional isomorphism is the process where organizations in similar environments become alike over time. It relates to the internationalization of norms by demonstrating how shared environments can lead to greater homogeneity in global practices and policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Describe the three stages in the life cycle of norms.

    <p>The three stages are: 1) Norm emergence, where entrepreneurs advocate for change; 2) Norm cascade, where the norm spreads due to conformity pressure; and 3) Norm internalization, where the norm becomes taken-for-granted and no longer debated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the idea that 'homogeneity does not mean calm' significant in the context of global politics?

    <p>'Homogeneity does not mean calm' suggests that even when states adopt similar norms and practices, conflicts and tensions can still arise due to differing historical, cultural, or political contexts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can the same norms become transmuted in different contexts according to the content provided?

    <p>Same norms can become transmuted as they adapt to various cultural, political, or social contexts, leading to different interpretations and implementations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of norm entrepreneurs indicate about the role of NGOs and IOs in global change?

    <p>Norm entrepreneurs are advocates who work to promote and instigate change, often emerging from NGOs and International Organizations (IOs), which play a critical role in introducing new norms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do constructivists view the formation of state identities and interests?

    <p>Constructivists believe that identities and interests are formed through interactions rather than being given or inherent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do constructivists argue about the concept of anarchy in international relations?

    <p>Constructivists argue that anarchy is not an ultimate cause of action but is what states make of it through their interactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does power interact with norms within a normative order?

    <p>Power is embedded within norms and influences how states and non-state actors compete to redefine these norms and the boundaries of communities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key argument of Wendt regarding realism and liberalism?

    <p>Wendt argues that both realism and liberalism are rationalist perspectives that take state identities and interests as given in international relations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What fundamental assertion do constructivists make about order in international relations?

    <p>Constructivists assert that international order is created through consensus around fundamental values and norms, rather than through dominance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were two outcomes of the United States and the USSR's positions of strength after WWII?

    <p>Japan and Germany were placed under Allied control, while most of Europe and Asia faced political turmoil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the British Empire's rule in India contribute to ethnic tensions?

    <p>The British Empire's policies led to inter-communal ethnic cleansing, exacerbating tensions among different groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Cold War affect civil and regional wars?

    <p>Some civil and regional wars were intensified by superpower involvement, while others were possibly prevented or shortened.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What influenced France's decisions regarding decolonization after WWII?

    <p>France sought to maintain its international prestige and influence, leading to a reluctant withdrawal from its empire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did nuclear weapons play in the Cold War?

    <p>Nuclear weapons were crucial, influencing East-West relations and contributing to the tension and the risk of confrontation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant contributing factor to the beginning of the Cold War?

    <p>The deep incompatibility between the social and economic systems of the East and West.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To what extent was decolonization viewed as successful?

    <p>The success of decolonization varies depending on the perspective of the European powers, the independence movements, or the local populations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinct phases characterized East-West relations during the Cold War?

    <p>Tension and the risk of direct confrontation grew and receded across various phases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of epistemology in the context of postcolonial and decolonial thought?

    <p>The primary focus of epistemology is how we think about the world and understanding different perspectives, especially those of the disempowered.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the decolonial approach differ from postcolonial perspectives in terms of knowledge and understanding?

    <p>The decolonial approach emphasizes retrieving indigenous epistemologies and cosmologies, while postcolonial focuses on subaltern perspectives as sites to analyze power relations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the ontological level of engagement question in the study of social science?

    <p>It questions what we study, specifically whose experiences and histories are included or excluded in social science discussions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key ethical responsibility highlighted in the normative level of engagement regarding Western supremacy?

    <p>A key responsibility is to recognize and address the attitudes and structures that support Western supremacy, advocating for reparations for historical injustices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what ways do colonialism and imperialism serve as foundational concepts in understanding world politics?

    <p>Colonialism and imperialism provide essential insights into the hierarchical structures that shape modern relationships and power dynamics in world politics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concept of 'subaltern' relate to postcolonial and decolonial discourses?

    <p>'Subaltern' refers to groups that are socially, politically, and geographically outside the hegemonic power structures and whose voices are often marginalized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What principle does the term 'modernity/coloniality' capture in decolonial thought?

    <p>'Modernity/coloniality' captures the idea that the modern world is fundamentally structured by colonial hierarchies that continue to influence contemporary societies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do indigenous epistemologies play in the decolonial approach?

    <p>Indigenous epistemologies are essential in the decolonial approach as they provide alternative ways of understanding human and non-human relations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the 9/11 attacks change US foreign policy?

    <p>The 9/11 attacks transformed US foreign policy by shifting its focus toward combating terrorism and engaging in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the motivations behind Bin Laden's actions?

    <p>Bin Laden was motivated by a desire for social justice, opposition to globalization, and a belief in traditional methods of waging war.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the main challenges faced by Obama's administration?

    <p>Obama's administration faced challenges such as economic recovery from the Great Recession and restoring the US's international standing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Trump's foreign policy differ from his predecessors?

    <p>Trump's foreign policy diverged by rejecting mainstream positions, downplaying climate change, and avoiding efforts to reform authoritarian regimes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What approach did Biden take towards America's European allies?

    <p>Biden aimed to re-engage with America's European allies and reinforce a commitment to a wider liberal world order.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact did the Arab Spring initially have on the region?

    <p>The Arab Spring initially brought hope for democratic change but led to deep disappointment as many aspirations were unmet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the Syrian crisis?

    <p>The Syrian crisis was resolved through brutal means, highlighting the high costs of the conflict and the difficulty in achieving peace.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'beyond the liberal world order' imply?

    <p>The phrase suggests that the current global context may be shifting away from the principles and structures established by the liberal world order.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main challenge faced in implementing the 2012 Geneva Communique regarding Syria?

    <p>The main challenge is Mr. Assad's unwillingness to negotiate with political opposing groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three principles that should guide the response to sanctions on Syria?

    <ol> <li>Personal sanctions on despots should remain; 2. Humanitarian carve-outs for essential activities; 3. Rollback of sanctions must depend on serious behavioral changes.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might lifting sanctions on Mr. Assad be problematic for the West?

    <p>Lifting sanctions could vindicate Assad and undermine the deterrent effect of sanctions on other regimes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the earthquake in 2023 influence Arab countries' attitudes towards Syria?

    <p>The earthquake provided an excuse for Arab countries to coordinate aid and break Syria's isolation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does economic coercion play in the West's foreign policy towards Syria?

    <p>Economic coercion is increasingly used in place of military force due to reluctance for military intervention.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key reason behind Assad needing the Arab world, according to the content?

    <p>Assad needs the Arab world for support because Russia cannot rebuild Syria on its own.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact do personal sanctions on leaders like Assad have on the overall political climate in Syria?

    <p>Personal sanctions aim to hold despots accountable while reducing their capacity to govern effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why has the West been hesitant to lift sanctions on Syria despite some countries breaking isolation?

    <p>The West fears that lifting sanctions could weaken deterrence against not only Assad, but also other authoritarian regimes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the primary methods through which colonialism exercises control over colonized peoples?

    <p>Colonialism uses physical, economic, political, psychological, social, and cultural means to exert control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How has the rise of China impacted perceptions of Western success?

    <p>The rise of China has raised questions about the sustainability of Western success, indicating a shift in global power dynamics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does neo-colonialism maintain power over newly independent states?

    <p>Neo-colonialism maintains power through economic and political structures that create dependence on former colonial powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does history play according to the content provided?

    <p>History is crucial for understanding a country's culture, aspirations, and worldview, particularly for marginalized groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the concept of 'Otherness' as it relates to Orientalism.

    <p>'Otherness' in Orientalism represents the depiction of non-Europeans as barbaric and irrational in contrast to Europeans, who are seen as rational and civilized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main types of issues discussed in relation to philosophical terminology?

    <p>The two main types are ontological issues concerning 'being' and epistemological issues regarding knowledge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Eurocentrism and its impact on historical narratives?

    <p>Eurocentrism is the tendency to regard Europe as the central reference point of history, often ignoring non-European cultures and histories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What limitations do explanatory theories face according to the content?

    <p>Explanatory theories reveal patterns but struggle with complexity, contingency, and the potential for predictions to become self-fulfilling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define the term 'subaltern' within the context of postcolonial thought.

    <p>Subaltern refers to the social position of colonized individuals or groups who lack a voice in dominant cultural narratives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the U.S. military capability factor into contemporary international relations?

    <p>Despite emerging threats, the U.S. retains massive military capabilities that continue to influence global dynamics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What were the significant factors that enabled organized resistance to imperialism in the early 20th century?

    <p>Improvements in infrastructure, mobility, and the spread of anti-colonial ideas significantly fueled organized resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what ways does colonialism affect the humanity and rights of colonized people?

    <p>Colonialism fundamentally negates the humanity and rights of colonized people through systemic violence and cultural erasure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact did the major economic crisis of 2008 have on the world according to the content?

    <p>The 2008 economic crisis contributed to global instability and raised concerns about international cooperation and governance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the viewing of power dynamics through the lens of cultural ideology enrich our understanding of imperialism?

    <p>Understanding power dynamics through culture and ideology reveals the subtle ways in which control and oppression are maintained beyond mere physical domination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What signifies the relationship between explanatory and constitutive theories in international relations?

    <p>Explanatory theories focus on explaining events, while constitutive theories emphasize how such events shape international relations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way has the threat of populism affected global politics?

    <p>The threat of populism has been contained, reflecting challenges to established political norms and ideologies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can the pursuit of power by one state lead to increased insecurity for others in the international system?

    <p>The accumulation of power by one state can be perceived as a threat by other states, leading to heightened tensions and a potential decrease in overall international security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the principle of the balance of power, and why is it significant in international relations?

    <p>The principle of the balance of power refers to the distribution of power among states to prevent any one state from becoming too dominant. It is significant as it helps maintain stability and discourage conflict in the international system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what ways do realist approaches to international politics view human nature, and how does this influence state behavior?

    <p>Realist approaches generally hold a pessimistic view of human nature, seeing it as driven by self-interest and fear, which influences states to act aggressively in pursuit of power and security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the concept of self-help in international relations and its implications for state security.

    <p>Self-help is the belief that states must rely on their own efforts for security, as they cannot trust others. This leads to increased competition and a focus on power accumulation among states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Discuss how the absence of a central authority affects the behavior of states in the international system.

    <p>The absence of a central authority creates an anarchic environment where states prioritize their survival by competing for resources and power, often leading to conflict.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might aggressive expansionist goals of some states challenge the balance of power?

    <p>Aggressive expansionist goals can disrupt the balance of power by causing neighboring states to view them as threats, prompting alliances against them or preemptive strikes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does military strength play in a state's ability to ensure its survival in an anarchic international system?

    <p>Military strength is crucial for a state's survival as it serves as a deterrent against threats and a means to project power, thus influencing international relations significantly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concept of anarchy shape the international political environment, particularly regarding power competition?

    <p>Anarchy shapes the international political environment by creating a landscape where states are in constant competition for power, resources, and security due to the absence of overarching authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Politics and Power

    • Power is the ability to decide who gets what, when, and how.
    • Power can be exercised through hard power (brute force) or soft power (legislation, influence).

    International Relations in a Global Era

    • International relations is a field of study that examines the interactions between states and other international actors.
    • It is interdisciplinary, highly theoretical, and has a historical western bias.
    • The traditional focus on state-to-state relations is increasingly challenged by the rise of transnational groups, NGOs, and other non-state actors.

    Main Theoretical Approaches

    • Liberal internationalism: Promotes global cooperation and institutions to foster democracy, human rights, and free trade.
    • Realism: Prioritizes national interest and power in a competitive international system, focusing on the struggle for survival.
    • Constructivism: Emphasizes the role of shared ideas, beliefs, and social norms in shaping state behavior and international relations.
    • Marxism: Focuses on global capitalism and systemic inequalities, highlighting the dominance of powerful classes over less powerful ones.
    • Poststructuralism: Challenges traditional power structures and emphasizes the fluidity of meaning and knowledge.
    • Post/de-colonialism: Analyzes the enduring effects of colonialism and imperialism, highlighting the underrepresentation of non-Western perspectives.
    • Feminism: Examines the role of gender in international relations, highlighting the experiences of women and marginalized groups.

    The Crisis of Globalization and the Liberal World Order

    • The current global political landscape is characterized by increasing tension and uncertainty.
    • Key factors contributing to this include:
      • Geo-economic competition
      • The COVID-19 pandemic
      • The fallout from Western sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine
    • These factors demonstrate the potential for interconnectedness to be weaponized by states.
    • There are varying perspectives on the future of globalization and the liberal world order:
      • Realists: Fear the consequences of a decline in the liberal order, believing it will lead to a chaotic world.
      • Marxists: View the liberal world order as a mask for US hegemony and imperialism.
      • Globalists:
        • Liberal accounts: Emphasize the need to strengthen and defend the existing rules-based order through assertive Western leadership.
        • Transformalist accounts: Believe the crisis of globalization and the liberal world order has been exaggerated and argue for a multi-centric global order.

    Reglobalization

    • Reglobalization is characterized by three key developments:
      • The rise of digital technologies and capitalism
      • China's emergence as a major force for globalization
      • "Snowbalization" (a process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence)

    The Rise of Modern International Order

    • International orders are regularized practices of exchange between political actors.
    • The modern international order, often traced to the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, emerged as a result of the rise of Western power through imperialism and the global expansion of capitalism.
    • The modern international order is characterized by:
      • A system of sovereign states
      • A balance of power among major nations
      • International institutions and organizations

    The Great Divergence

    • Since the 19th century, a stark divergence between Western powers and the rest of the world has emerged.
    • Key drivers of this divergence include:
      • Industrialization
      • Colonialism
      • The expansion of capitalism

    Marx Internationalized: From Imperialism to World Systems Theory

    • Marxist theory explains the global political economy through a world-systems approach.
    • This approach divides the world into:
      • Core: Dominant and highly industrialized nations
      • Semi-periphery: Countries in a transition between core and periphery
      • Periphery: Dependent and less developed nations
    • This system perpetuates inequalities and exploitation, with resources flowing from the periphery to the core.

    Gramscianism

    • Gramscianism explores the role of cultural and ideological dominance in maintaining power structures.
    • It argues that states achieve dominance not only through force but also through the dissemination of their own culture and ideas, which can influence ways of thinking and understanding the world.
    • This process can be seen in the history of colonialism and imperialism, where colonizers often imposed their languages, laws, and religious beliefs upon those they colonized.

    Postcolonial and Decolonial Thought

    • Postcolonial and decolonial thought challenge Eurocentric perspectives and highlight the enduring effects of colonialism and imperialism.
    • Key concepts include:
      • Colonialism as a system of violence: A multifaceted form of oppression that extends beyond physical violence to include economic, social, cultural, and psychological domination.
      • Neo-colonialism: The continuation of colonial-like relationships through economic and political means, even after formal independence.
      • Orientalism and Otherness: Representation of non-Western cultures in ways that reinforce colonial power structures and justifications for imperialism.
      • Eurocentrism: A tendency to view Europe as superior and to prioritize European experiences and perspectives in world affairs.
      • Subaltern Studies: Focus on the voices and experiences of those marginalized under colonial power structures.

    Postcolonial Theory

    • Postcolonial theory examines how past empires influence present global power structures and economic hierarchies.
    • Colonial exploitation and racism are deeply embedded in contemporary international relations.

    Marxist Theory

    • Base vs. Superstructure: Changes in relations of production (e.g., landed aristocracy vs. capitalist bourgeoisie vs. working class) lead to class struggle.
    • Internationally: Core vs. periphery - Imperialism allows the bourgeoisie in Western states to buy off class conflict.
    • Hegemony: Ruling class gets the proletariat to consent to its norms and values, not just oppressing them.
    • World System Theory (Wallerstein): Based on dependency theory - the global South depends on the global North for economic growth. The South exports raw materials and imports manufactured goods. Declining terms of trade mean manufactured goods become more expensive compared to raw materials.
    • Neorealism and Marxism Similarities: Both are structural accounts of International Relations, stress desires for hegemony, offer a single overarching explanation for international politics, and are rationalist approaches.
    • Neorealism and Marxism Differences: Neorealism focuses on a two-level structure of anarchy while Marxism emphasizes a global elite (classes). Neorealism emphasizes security while Marxism emphasizes the economy. Neorealism sees structures as given while Marxism sees structures as constantly reproduced.

    Decolonization

    • British Empire: The British empire in India led to inter-communal ethnic cleansing. Apartheid occurred in African colonies.
    • French Empire: France sought to maintain international prestige through its empire after World War II. They withdrew while attempting to preserve French influence.
    • Cold War: Independence and national liberation became entangled in Cold War conflicts. Superpowers often intervened in liberation movements. The success of decolonization is debated, with different perspectives from European powers, independence movements, and the people themselves.

    Cold War

    • Disagreements about the origins of the Cold War persist. There were distinct phases of East-West relations with varying levels of tension and risk of direct confrontation.
    • Superpower involvement intensified and prolonged some civil and regional wars. It may have prevented or shortened others.
    • Nuclear weapons were an important factor in the Cold War. There is debate about their development and their role in Soviet-American (and East-West) relations.
    • The end of the Cold War did not eliminate nuclear weapons.
    • There were numerous international crises with the risk of nuclear war. The proximity of nuclear war during these events remains open to debate.

    The Modern World System

    • The modern world system emerged from two major 20th-century events: the Russian Revolution and the breakup of European empires.
    • This resulted in Japan and Germany being controlled by Allied powers, most of Europe and Asia in disarray, newly independent colonies in political turmoil, and the US and USSR in positions of enormous power.
    • The Cold War was caused by the incompatibility of Eastern and Western social and economic systems, and mutual fears between the USSR and the US.

    The Internationalization of Norms

    • The internationalization and institutionalization of norms lead to reduced diversity and greater homogeneity.
    • Constructivists can investigate global change and transformation because the world is socially constructed.
    • Diffusion is a key issue in global change. This is reflected in concerns about institutional isomorphism and the life cycle of norms.
    • Institutional isomorphism argues that organizations in the same environment will become similar over time. This raises issues of increasing homogeneity in world politics. However, homogeneity does not guarantee peace or a world without conflict.
    • The life cycle of norms has three stages:
      • Norm emergence/norm entrepreneur - Norm entrepreneurs work to introduce or call attention to change.
      • Norm cascade - The norm spreads through the population due to pressure for conformity, international legitimation desires, and state leaders' desires for self-esteem.
      • Norm internalization - The norm becomes taken-for-granted and is no longer debated.
    • It is important to remember that there is no guarantee that the life cycle or diffusion will occur. Norms can be transmuted and acquire different meanings in various contexts. Looking alike does not mean acting alike. Even established norms can be contested, resisted, and replaced.
    • Power is embedded in norms and always present in normative orders.
    • Diffusion sometimes occurs because a model is seen as superior; however, actors often adopt a model due to external pressure or its symbolic legitimacy.

    Constructivist Approach to International Order

    • Constructivists tend to focus on the connection between underlying normative structures and patterns of international order.
    • They emphasize order as a product of consensus around core values and norms, rather than domination.
    • Constructivism overlooks the influence of power within the normative order and the way states and non-state actors compete (sometimes violently) to redefine fundamental norms and boundaries.

    Wendt (1992)

    • Core argument: Realism and liberalism are two sides of the same coin, taking identities and interests as given.
    • Rebuttal of neorealism: Identities and interests are shaped through interaction. Anarchy is not the ultimate cause of action, but what states make of it. Anarchy only leads to conflict because actors construct it as such.

    Self-Help Anarchy

    • Anarchy: There is no overall power, leading to chaos.
    • Nature of anarchy: Anarchy is what states make of it.
    • Identity and interest: Rational and construction of state identity and interests.

    Poststructuralism

    • Theory is constitutive of reality: Objects gain their meaning from the way people talk about them.
    • 3 Levels of Engagement:
      • Epistemology: How we think about the world. Colonial attitudes and the perspective of the colonially/racially privileged shape epistemology. Postcolonial/decolonial approaches emphasize understanding the world from various perspectives and worldviews of the disempowered and dispossessed.
      • Ontology: What we study - histories and cases often miss the experiences of most of the world's people. Decolonial approach focuses on the modern world being structured by colonial hierarchy. Colonialism and imperialism are fundamental to understanding world politics.
      • Normative: Our ethical/normative responsibilities. Western supremacy must be understood as unequal, racist, and dehumanizing. Western countries have a moral obligation to repair the damage they have caused.
    • Postcolonial vs. Decolonial Approaches:
      • Postcolonial: Focus on the perspective of the subaltern as a lens for understanding power relations.
      • Decolonial: Focus on retrieving indigenous epistemologies and cosmologies for understanding relationships between humans and non-humans.

    Origins of Postcolonial and Decolonial Ideas

    • Inspired by the history and practice of decolonization.
    • Shared Roots:
      • Western empires have common practices:
        • Political: Forced recognition of imperial rule through loyalty to the monarch.
        • Economic: Forced labor and importation of enslaved people for imperial markets.
        • Social: Suppression of local culture and imposition of Western culture.
    • Challenges:
      • Postcolonial and decolonial theories challenge traditional Western-centric interpretations of global politics.
      • They highlight the enduring impact of colonial pasts on global power disparities, economic inequality, and conflicts.
      • They emphasize the need for a critical analysis of historical power structures and their ongoing influence in international relations for a complete understanding of world politics.

    The Middle East in Turmoil

    • The 9/11 attacks brought significant changes to US foreign policy.
    • Osama Bin Laden was motivated by a desire for social justice, a distance from globalization, and a preference for more traditional war strategies.
    • The US is widely considered to have failed in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
    • The Arab Spring initially sparked hope for change but subsequently led to widespread disappointment.
    • The Syrian crisis was a costly and brutal conflict.
    • The underlying causes of instability in the region remain contested.

    From Obama to Trump to Biden

    • Obama's election was influenced by the unpopularity of the Iraq War and the economic crisis of 2008.
    • Obama's main challenges were economic recovery and restoring US understanding abroad.
    • Obama aimed to shift the focus of US foreign policy from the Middle East to Asia, emphasizing "soft power."
    • Trump's foreign policies departed from traditional approaches and he was less concerned with reforming authoritarian regimes.
    • Trump's presidency was deeply divisive both domestically and internationally.
    • Biden seeks to reunite the United States and re-engage with European allies while promoting a liberal world order.

    The History of International Relations

    • History is particularly important for understanding marginalized communities.
    • Understanding a country's history aids in comprehending its culture, aspirations, and worldview.
    • History demonstrates the contingency and complexity of real-world events.
    • The history of international relations is closely intertwined with global history.

    Philosophical Terminology

    • Ontology: The study of being and existence.
      • Questions like "What is the world made of?"
    • Epistemology: The study of knowledge.
      • Questions like "How do we know?", "What can we know?"
    • Normative issues: Address what ought to be, rather than what is.
      • Often lead to policy prescriptions.

    Explanatory vs. Constitutive Theory

    • Explanatory theory: Aims to explain events or patterns of events.
      • Examples: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Why do countries invade other countries?
    • Constitutive Theory: Focuses on how social realities are constructed.
      • Examples: How does the media shape our understanding of war?

    Limits of Explanatory Theory

    • Explanatory theory can identify patterns, but may struggle to account for contingency and complexity in human affairs.
    • Predictions made by explanatory theory can become self-fulfilling prophecies.

    Syria and Sanctions

    • The West has grown reluctant to use military force abroad and has increasingly relied on economic coercion.
    • Syria's reliance on drug-peddling for funding presents challenges to the West.
    • Lifting sanctions on Syria has potential consequences:
      • It could validate Assad's regime and weaken the deterrent effect of sanctions on other regimes.
      • It could force the US to sanction its own allies who trade with Syria.

    The Arab League

    • Normalization of relations: The Arab League's decision to readmit Syria after 12 years marks a shift in regional dynamics.
    • Reliance on Russia: The West's sanctions have made it difficult for Syria to rebuild, forcing Assad to rely on Russia.
    • Economic incentives: The earthquake in 2023 provided an opportunity for countries to coordinate aid and potentially normalize relations with Syria.

    Key Concepts in International Relations

    • Sovereignty: States have the right to govern themselves independently.
    • Power: A fundamental aspect of the international system, measured in relation to other entities.
    • Anarchy: The absence of a higher authority above states in the international system.
    • Survival: States prioritize their own survival and security.
    • Self-help: States are responsible for their own security as other states cannot be trusted.

    Realism in International Relations

    • Realism views international politics as driven by power and self-interest.
    • Realists hold a pessimistic view of human nature, believing conflict is inevitable.

    Postcolonial and Decolonial Thought

    • Colonialism: A system of total violence, including physical, economic, political, psychological, social, and cultural oppression.
    • Neo-colonialism: Economic and political structures that perpetuate colonial relationships even after formal independence.
    • Orientalism: A way of representing the East as inferior to the West, justifying imperialism.
    • Eurocentrism: A tendency to view European history, culture, and civilization as superior.
    • The Subaltern: The social position of the colonized, often marginalized and underrepresented.

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    Explore the dynamics of power and international relations through this quiz. Delve into key theoretical approaches like liberal internationalism, realism, and constructivism, and understand their implications on global interactions. Test your knowledge on how states and non-state actors influence the global landscape.

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