Introduction to International Relations

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Questions and Answers

What year was the first chain in International Relations established and where?

1919 at the University of Galles in Aberystwyth.

Which notable supporter of 'idealist' liberalism was associated with the first chain in IR?

Prof. Alfred Zimmern.

What significant event during World War I highlighted the need for the study of International Relations?

The scale of casualties and destruction in battles like the Battle of the Somme.

Why was the establishment of Institutes dedicated to International Affairs delayed until 1927?

The constant state of war in Europe and the transformative impact of WWI delayed formal academic study. Signup and view all the answers

What concept is often associated with the complexities inherent in International Politics?

The collective action problem. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary downside of using propaganda in international affairs?

The primary downside is the demonization of the counterpart, which can exacerbate conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three strategies highlighted for analyzing international conflict?

The three strategies are dominance, reciprocity, and identity. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the categorization of international affairs into different levels of analysis be limited?

This categorization is limited because it does not fully address the complexities of major international events. Signup and view all the answers

What does the individual level of analysis focus on in international relations?

It focuses on the perceptions, choices, and actions of individual human beings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main concern of the systemic level of analysis in international affairs?

The systemic level concerns the relative power positions of states and their interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central challenge faced by groups, such as countries, when attempting to serve their collective interests?

The central challenge is that members must forgo their individual interests to achieve a cooperative outcome. Signup and view all the answers

How does the dominance approach help resolve conflicts in collective action problems?

The dominance approach resolves conflicts by establishing a hierarchy where a higher-ranking actor controls the group, guiding members to contribute to the common good. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential risks associated with the reciprocity approach in international relations?

The reciprocity approach can lead to a downward spiral of punishments if parties overestimate their good intentions and underestimate their opponents' actions. Signup and view all the answers

How does identity contribute to solving the collective action problem?

Identity helps solve the collective action problem by fostering a strong value structure within a group, where members may prioritize conformity over immediate self-benefits. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the prisoner dilemma, why do states face the temptation to deviate from collective promises?

States are tempted to deviate due to the immediate individual gains they can achieve by exploiting resources like fossil fuels, despite the long-term benefits of cooperation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'do ut des' principle and how is it related to reciprocal actions?

'Do ut des' means 'I give so that you may give,' signifying a reciprocal exchange where actions are incentivized through mutual benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the higher-ranking actor play in the dominance approach to international relations?

The higher-ranking actor plays the role of a decision-maker that can enforce compliance from lower-ranking members, reducing conflict and promoting contributions to the group. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges can arise from the identity approach in collective action problems?

The identity approach can create challenges such as group polarization and exclusion, leading to hostility towards out-group members even at the cost of collective benefits. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course: 30317 – Political Science and Comparative Politics
Topic: Introduction to International Relations
Instructor: Umberto Platini
Email: [email protected]

International Relations as an Independent Subject

International Relations (IR) is a relatively new academic field.
The first dedicated IR program was established in 1919 at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
Alfred Zimmern was a key figure in the development of IR, advocating for "idealist" liberalism.
The Institut de Hautes Etudes Internationales et du Développement (IHEID) was founded in 1927 in Geneva, marking a significant step in the development of IR as a discipline.

Why International Relations is Relatively Recent

Europe had a history of frequent but often localized warfare before World War I.
The scale and severity of World War I fundamentally changed the understanding of war and international relations.
The catastrophic loss of life (e.g., 1 million casualties in the Battle of the Somme), the devastation of infrastructure and resources, and implications for global power dynamics spurred the need for a more systematic study of international relations.

The Battle of the Somme (Example of WWI Impact)

A particularly devastating battle in WWI. Approximately 1 million casualties in 141 days (an average of about 300 deaths per hour).
The first day alone saw losses of 57,000 British soldiers, a staggering figure.
The cost of gained territory was exceptionally high, with each kilometer costing more than 80,000 lives.
In summary, the battle of the Somme epitomized the unprecedented destruction and scale of modern warfare.

Defining International Relations

What comes to mind when thinking about IR?
IR encompasses a complex interplay of concepts including international law, global governance, balance of power, collective security, international organizations, human rights, sovereignty, diplomacy, national interests, peace, war, geopolitics, and anarchy.

The Collective Action Problem

International politics is often complicated because cooperation is challenging.
Collective action problems stem from the tension between individual and collective interests.
For example, countries may benefit from reducing greenhouse gases, but each country may also benefit from emitting those gases if it does not affect the global effort of reducing gases from each country.

Strategies for Addressing the Collective Action Problem

Dominance: Imposing a hierarchy, where the dominant actor controls others. Example: The UN Security Council's veto power.
Reciprocity: A system of mutual incentives and punishments for cooperation and defection. Example: Arms control agreements.
Identity: Strong sense of shared values and community that motivates individuals to cooperate. Example: Charitable giving in times of crisis.

Additional Limitations and Considerations

The categorizations of IR strategies can be overly simplistic. Most real-world instances involve a combination of these factors.
A better understanding of the root causes of international conflicts, and interest divergences, is sought through these strategies.
Further study on the different perspectives of understanding International affairs by categorizing them into specific levels.

Levels of Analysis Framework

Individual Level: Focuses on individual decision-makers and their role in international events.
Domestic Level: Focuses on domestic factors within states that influence their foreign policy.
Systemic Level: Focuses on the interactions between states, considering their power positions, relative capabilities, and international norms.

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Description

This quiz explores the foundational aspects of International Relations (IR) as an independent academic field. It discusses key historical developments, notable figures like Alfred Zimmern, and the impact of World War I on global relations. Test your understanding of how IR evolved and its significance in modern politics.