Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the ultimate aim of the harmony of interest between various social groups?
What is the ultimate aim of the harmony of interest between various social groups?
Which characteristic is associated with the core tier in the world systems theory?
Which characteristic is associated with the core tier in the world systems theory?
Which of the following accurately describes the economic dynamic between the core and periphery?
Which of the following accurately describes the economic dynamic between the core and periphery?
What role does the semi-periphery play in the world systems theory?
What role does the semi-periphery play in the world systems theory?
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According to Marx's prediction, what is necessary for a transition from capitalism to socialism?
According to Marx's prediction, what is necessary for a transition from capitalism to socialism?
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What is a defining characteristic of hard power in international relations?
What is a defining characteristic of hard power in international relations?
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Which theoretical approach prioritizes national interest and power in the context of international relations?
Which theoretical approach prioritizes national interest and power in the context of international relations?
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Which theoretical approach focuses on creating a peaceful order through global cooperation?
Which theoretical approach focuses on creating a peaceful order through global cooperation?
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In what fundamental way does constructivism differ from realism and liberalism?
In what fundamental way does constructivism differ from realism and liberalism?
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What aspect does Marxism highlight as crucial in understanding world politics?
What aspect does Marxism highlight as crucial in understanding world politics?
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Which statement best describes the term 'multiplex order' in international relations?
Which statement best describes the term 'multiplex order' in international relations?
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How does the content differentiate between 'international' and 'global' in relations?
How does the content differentiate between 'international' and 'global' in relations?
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Which theoretical approach is characterized by its focus on gender dynamics in international relations?
Which theoretical approach is characterized by its focus on gender dynamics in international relations?
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What are the two main types of international orders mentioned?
What are the two main types of international orders mentioned?
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Which event is commonly identified as the starting point for the modern international order?
Which event is commonly identified as the starting point for the modern international order?
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What has significantly contributed to the rise of the West in recent history?
What has significantly contributed to the rise of the West in recent history?
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How do non-state actors influence world events according to the content?
How do non-state actors influence world events according to the content?
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What does the term 'great divergence' refer to in the context of international relations?
What does the term 'great divergence' refer to in the context of international relations?
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What was a key focus of the first wave of industrialization in the 19th century?
What was a key focus of the first wave of industrialization in the 19th century?
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What impact have emancipation movements had on international relations?
What impact have emancipation movements had on international relations?
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Which of the following is NOT a factor listed contributing to the need for studying new problems in international relations?
Which of the following is NOT a factor listed contributing to the need for studying new problems in international relations?
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What is one of the factors contributing to the securitization of global connectivity?
What is one of the factors contributing to the securitization of global connectivity?
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Which perspective argues that the liberal world order disguises the reality of US hegemony?
Which perspective argues that the liberal world order disguises the reality of US hegemony?
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What do transformationalist accounts suggest about globalization and the liberal world order?
What do transformationalist accounts suggest about globalization and the liberal world order?
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Which development is NOT mentioned as part of reglobalization?
Which development is NOT mentioned as part of reglobalization?
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How do realists perceive the potential collapse of the liberal world order?
How do realists perceive the potential collapse of the liberal world order?
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Which statement best characterizes China's role in the current global economy?
Which statement best characterizes China's role in the current global economy?
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What is the general view about the effects of 'snowbalization' in the context of reglobalization?
What is the general view about the effects of 'snowbalization' in the context of reglobalization?
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What strategy do states utilize to reduce potential vulnerabilities in global connectivity?
What strategy do states utilize to reduce potential vulnerabilities in global connectivity?
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What is one of the main ways colonialism is characterized in postcolonial thought?
What is one of the main ways colonialism is characterized in postcolonial thought?
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What term describes the economic and political structure that maintains control over supposedly independent states?
What term describes the economic and political structure that maintains control over supposedly independent states?
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Which scholar group is associated with the study of Eastern cultures and often supported imperialist narratives?
Which scholar group is associated with the study of Eastern cultures and often supported imperialist narratives?
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What concept represents the tendency to center European perspectives in history and global narratives?
What concept represents the tendency to center European perspectives in history and global narratives?
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What does the term 'subaltern' refer to in the context of postcolonial thought?
What does the term 'subaltern' refer to in the context of postcolonial thought?
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Which of the following statements is characteristic of neo-colonialism?
Which of the following statements is characteristic of neo-colonialism?
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Which historical context did resistance to colonialism gain significant momentum?
Which historical context did resistance to colonialism gain significant momentum?
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What is one effect of cultural and linguistic imperialism as described in the context of colonialism?
What is one effect of cultural and linguistic imperialism as described in the context of colonialism?
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How does postcolonial theory challenge traditional Western interpretations of global politics?
How does postcolonial theory challenge traditional Western interpretations of global politics?
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What does the concept of hegemony imply in the context of Marxist theory?
What does the concept of hegemony imply in the context of Marxist theory?
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In World Systems Theory, what economic relationship exists between the global South and the global North?
In World Systems Theory, what economic relationship exists between the global South and the global North?
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Identify a key difference between Marxism and Neorealism in international relations.
Identify a key difference between Marxism and Neorealism in international relations.
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What aspect of class struggle does Marxism emphasize in the international context?
What aspect of class struggle does Marxism emphasize in the international context?
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According to dependency theory, what are the declining terms of trade experienced by the global South?
According to dependency theory, what are the declining terms of trade experienced by the global South?
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How do historical power structures analyzed in postcolonial theory affect international relations today?
How do historical power structures analyzed in postcolonial theory affect international relations today?
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What is the primary concern of World Systems Theory regarding global economic interactions?
What is the primary concern of World Systems Theory regarding global economic interactions?
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What is institutional isomorphism and how does it relate to the internationalization of norms?
What is institutional isomorphism and how does it relate to the internationalization of norms?
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Describe the three stages in the life cycle of norms.
Describe the three stages in the life cycle of norms.
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Why is the idea that 'homogeneity does not mean calm' significant in the context of global politics?
Why is the idea that 'homogeneity does not mean calm' significant in the context of global politics?
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How can the same norms become transmuted in different contexts according to the content provided?
How can the same norms become transmuted in different contexts according to the content provided?
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What does the concept of norm entrepreneurs indicate about the role of NGOs and IOs in global change?
What does the concept of norm entrepreneurs indicate about the role of NGOs and IOs in global change?
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How do constructivists view the formation of state identities and interests?
How do constructivists view the formation of state identities and interests?
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What do constructivists argue about the concept of anarchy in international relations?
What do constructivists argue about the concept of anarchy in international relations?
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In what way does power interact with norms within a normative order?
In what way does power interact with norms within a normative order?
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What is a key argument of Wendt regarding realism and liberalism?
What is a key argument of Wendt regarding realism and liberalism?
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What fundamental assertion do constructivists make about order in international relations?
What fundamental assertion do constructivists make about order in international relations?
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What were two outcomes of the United States and the USSR's positions of strength after WWII?
What were two outcomes of the United States and the USSR's positions of strength after WWII?
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How did the British Empire's rule in India contribute to ethnic tensions?
How did the British Empire's rule in India contribute to ethnic tensions?
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How did the Cold War affect civil and regional wars?
How did the Cold War affect civil and regional wars?
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What influenced France's decisions regarding decolonization after WWII?
What influenced France's decisions regarding decolonization after WWII?
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What role did nuclear weapons play in the Cold War?
What role did nuclear weapons play in the Cold War?
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What was a significant contributing factor to the beginning of the Cold War?
What was a significant contributing factor to the beginning of the Cold War?
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To what extent was decolonization viewed as successful?
To what extent was decolonization viewed as successful?
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What distinct phases characterized East-West relations during the Cold War?
What distinct phases characterized East-West relations during the Cold War?
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What is the primary focus of epistemology in the context of postcolonial and decolonial thought?
What is the primary focus of epistemology in the context of postcolonial and decolonial thought?
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How does the decolonial approach differ from postcolonial perspectives in terms of knowledge and understanding?
How does the decolonial approach differ from postcolonial perspectives in terms of knowledge and understanding?
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What does the ontological level of engagement question in the study of social science?
What does the ontological level of engagement question in the study of social science?
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What is a key ethical responsibility highlighted in the normative level of engagement regarding Western supremacy?
What is a key ethical responsibility highlighted in the normative level of engagement regarding Western supremacy?
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In what ways do colonialism and imperialism serve as foundational concepts in understanding world politics?
In what ways do colonialism and imperialism serve as foundational concepts in understanding world politics?
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How does the concept of 'subaltern' relate to postcolonial and decolonial discourses?
How does the concept of 'subaltern' relate to postcolonial and decolonial discourses?
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What principle does the term 'modernity/coloniality' capture in decolonial thought?
What principle does the term 'modernity/coloniality' capture in decolonial thought?
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What role do indigenous epistemologies play in the decolonial approach?
What role do indigenous epistemologies play in the decolonial approach?
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How did the 9/11 attacks change US foreign policy?
How did the 9/11 attacks change US foreign policy?
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What were the motivations behind Bin Laden's actions?
What were the motivations behind Bin Laden's actions?
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What were the main challenges faced by Obama's administration?
What were the main challenges faced by Obama's administration?
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How did Trump's foreign policy differ from his predecessors?
How did Trump's foreign policy differ from his predecessors?
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What approach did Biden take towards America's European allies?
What approach did Biden take towards America's European allies?
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What impact did the Arab Spring initially have on the region?
What impact did the Arab Spring initially have on the region?
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What was the outcome of the Syrian crisis?
What was the outcome of the Syrian crisis?
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What does the phrase 'beyond the liberal world order' imply?
What does the phrase 'beyond the liberal world order' imply?
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What is the main challenge faced in implementing the 2012 Geneva Communique regarding Syria?
What is the main challenge faced in implementing the 2012 Geneva Communique regarding Syria?
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What are the three principles that should guide the response to sanctions on Syria?
What are the three principles that should guide the response to sanctions on Syria?
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Why might lifting sanctions on Mr. Assad be problematic for the West?
Why might lifting sanctions on Mr. Assad be problematic for the West?
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How did the earthquake in 2023 influence Arab countries' attitudes towards Syria?
How did the earthquake in 2023 influence Arab countries' attitudes towards Syria?
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What role does economic coercion play in the West's foreign policy towards Syria?
What role does economic coercion play in the West's foreign policy towards Syria?
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What is the key reason behind Assad needing the Arab world, according to the content?
What is the key reason behind Assad needing the Arab world, according to the content?
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What impact do personal sanctions on leaders like Assad have on the overall political climate in Syria?
What impact do personal sanctions on leaders like Assad have on the overall political climate in Syria?
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Why has the West been hesitant to lift sanctions on Syria despite some countries breaking isolation?
Why has the West been hesitant to lift sanctions on Syria despite some countries breaking isolation?
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What are the primary methods through which colonialism exercises control over colonized peoples?
What are the primary methods through which colonialism exercises control over colonized peoples?
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How has the rise of China impacted perceptions of Western success?
How has the rise of China impacted perceptions of Western success?
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How does neo-colonialism maintain power over newly independent states?
How does neo-colonialism maintain power over newly independent states?
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What role does history play according to the content provided?
What role does history play according to the content provided?
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Explain the concept of 'Otherness' as it relates to Orientalism.
Explain the concept of 'Otherness' as it relates to Orientalism.
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What are the two main types of issues discussed in relation to philosophical terminology?
What are the two main types of issues discussed in relation to philosophical terminology?
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What is Eurocentrism and its impact on historical narratives?
What is Eurocentrism and its impact on historical narratives?
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What limitations do explanatory theories face according to the content?
What limitations do explanatory theories face according to the content?
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Define the term 'subaltern' within the context of postcolonial thought.
Define the term 'subaltern' within the context of postcolonial thought.
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How does the U.S. military capability factor into contemporary international relations?
How does the U.S. military capability factor into contemporary international relations?
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What were the significant factors that enabled organized resistance to imperialism in the early 20th century?
What were the significant factors that enabled organized resistance to imperialism in the early 20th century?
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In what ways does colonialism affect the humanity and rights of colonized people?
In what ways does colonialism affect the humanity and rights of colonized people?
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What impact did the major economic crisis of 2008 have on the world according to the content?
What impact did the major economic crisis of 2008 have on the world according to the content?
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How does the viewing of power dynamics through the lens of cultural ideology enrich our understanding of imperialism?
How does the viewing of power dynamics through the lens of cultural ideology enrich our understanding of imperialism?
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What signifies the relationship between explanatory and constitutive theories in international relations?
What signifies the relationship between explanatory and constitutive theories in international relations?
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In what way has the threat of populism affected global politics?
In what way has the threat of populism affected global politics?
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How can the pursuit of power by one state lead to increased insecurity for others in the international system?
How can the pursuit of power by one state lead to increased insecurity for others in the international system?
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What is the principle of the balance of power, and why is it significant in international relations?
What is the principle of the balance of power, and why is it significant in international relations?
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In what ways do realist approaches to international politics view human nature, and how does this influence state behavior?
In what ways do realist approaches to international politics view human nature, and how does this influence state behavior?
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Explain the concept of self-help in international relations and its implications for state security.
Explain the concept of self-help in international relations and its implications for state security.
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Discuss how the absence of a central authority affects the behavior of states in the international system.
Discuss how the absence of a central authority affects the behavior of states in the international system.
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How might aggressive expansionist goals of some states challenge the balance of power?
How might aggressive expansionist goals of some states challenge the balance of power?
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What role does military strength play in a state's ability to ensure its survival in an anarchic international system?
What role does military strength play in a state's ability to ensure its survival in an anarchic international system?
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How does the concept of anarchy shape the international political environment, particularly regarding power competition?
How does the concept of anarchy shape the international political environment, particularly regarding power competition?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- Western empires have common practices:
-
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
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Ontology: The study of being and existence.
- Questions like "What is the world made of?"
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Epistemology: The study of knowledge.
- Questions like "How do we know?", "What can we know?"
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Normative issues: Address what ought to be, rather than what is.
- Often lead to policy prescriptions.
Explanatory vs. Constitutive Theory
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Explanatory theory: Aims to explain events or patterns of events.
- Examples: Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Why do countries invade other countries?
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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.