International Relations Class 10

Study Notes

The great debates highlight shifts in thinking about international studies.
- Idealists vs. Realists (1930-1950): Different perspectives
- Traditionalists vs. Behavioralists (1940-1960): Approaches to understanding international interactions
- Classical theories vs. Marxist theories & transnationalism (1970-1990)
- Positivists vs Post-positivists (1990-2000): Different methodologies and ontologies
Critical theories question the impartiality of existing knowledge in international relations.
- They note that theories may be biased or influenced by certain agendas.
Key areas of critical consideration include ecocentrism, feminism and critical understanding of security.
Ecocentrism challenges anthropocentrism by recognising the intrinsic value of the environment.

The phenomenon of colony collapse disorder shows significant problems across the United States, Europe, and China.
The massive disappearance of bee colonies (60-90%) contrasts with a typical extinction rate of 10%.
Beehives are found empty without any visible bee remains.

Human reliance on insect pollination (84% of crops).
The economic value of bees' work is estimated at 14.6 billion US dollars annually.
Declines in crop production, particularly for cucumbers from Carolina.
Critical importance for food security and economics.

The crisis is being investigated in terms of various factors:
- Parasitism by viruses and fungi (over 200 different pathogens).
- Varroa mites, the primary bee predator.
- Pesticides.
- Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Possible factors contributing to the crisis include environmental factors such as overcrowding, forcing migrations, antibiotic treatments, and imbalanced nutrition, and insemination procedures which affect the well-being of the bees.

The presentation outlines a need to question the impartiality of theories, suggesting that some theories may be biased.
- A framework for re-balancing different viewpoints (e.g., post-modernism).
The concept of ecocentrism was discussed as an alternative to anthropocentrism, focusing on the intrinsic value of the environment.
Feministic theories in International Relations challenge existing theoretical frameworks.

The concept of a reciprocal relationship between states and individuals is presented.
The state impacts individuals and, vice versa, individuals can also challenge the state.

This perspective discusses the role of women and questions the impartiality of theoretical frameworks in International Relations.
- Important works by relevant scholars (e.g., Cynthia Enloe) and their contributions.
- Focuses on how gender shapes and structures international Relations.
- Different feminist lenses (liberal, radical, and postcolonial feminism)
- The idea of the 'personal' being international is presented.

Works by scholars like Robert Cox, as well as specific figures discussed in the presentations.
Important international conventions mentioned (e.g., UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Convention on Biological Diversity).