Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which core concept distinguishes offensive realism from defensive realism?
Which core concept distinguishes offensive realism from defensive realism?
- The belief that states primarily seek security.
- The assumption that the international system encourages cooperation.
- The emphasis on the role of international institutions in mitigating conflict.
- The idea that states inherently aim to maximize their power and strive for hegemony. (correct)
According to classical realism, what is the primary driver of state behavior?
According to classical realism, what is the primary driver of state behavior?
- The pursuit of economic interdependence.
- Rational self-interest and the accumulation of power. (correct)
- Moral considerations and ethical principles.
- Adherence to international law and norms.
How does neo-liberalism differ from classical liberalism in explaining international cooperation?
How does neo-liberalism differ from classical liberalism in explaining international cooperation?
- Neo-liberalism believes cooperation is solely based on state power.
- Neo-liberalism views cooperation as impossible due to the inherent nature of states, while classical liberalism sees cooperation as easily achievable.
- Neo-liberalism focuses on the role of individual leaders in fostering peace, while classical liberalism emphasizes structural factors.
- Neo-liberalism highlights the importance of international institutions in promoting cooperation, while classical liberalism emphasizes the role of democracy and free trade. (correct)
What is the central argument of Immanuel Kant’s perpetual peace theory?
What is the central argument of Immanuel Kant’s perpetual peace theory?
Which of the following best describes Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power?
Which of the following best describes Joseph Nye’s concept of soft power?
According to constructivism, what primarily shapes state identities and interests?
According to constructivism, what primarily shapes state identities and interests?
Which statement best reflects Alexander Wendt's view on anarchy in international relations?
Which statement best reflects Alexander Wendt's view on anarchy in international relations?
According to Robert Keohane, what is the primary role of international institutions?
According to Robert Keohane, what is the primary role of international institutions?
How do classical realists view the role of morality in international relations?
How do classical realists view the role of morality in international relations?
How does constructivism differ from realism regarding the nature of state interests?
How does constructivism differ from realism regarding the nature of state interests?
What is a key distinction between liberalism and realism regarding the inevitability of conflict?
What is a key distinction between liberalism and realism regarding the inevitability of conflict?
According to radicalism, what is the primary driving force behind international relations and global inequality?
According to radicalism, what is the primary driving force behind international relations and global inequality?
How does dependency theory, a branch of radicalism, explain the underdevelopment of peripheral countries?
How does dependency theory, a branch of radicalism, explain the underdevelopment of peripheral countries?
Which of the following aligns with a radical perspective on the role of international institutions?
Which of the following aligns with a radical perspective on the role of international institutions?
In comparing constructivism and radicalism, which aspect do they most significantly diverge on?
In comparing constructivism and radicalism, which aspect do they most significantly diverge on?
If a scholar argues that changes in international norms regarding human rights have led to interventions in sovereign states, which theoretical perspective are they most likely employing?
If a scholar argues that changes in international norms regarding human rights have led to interventions in sovereign states, which theoretical perspective are they most likely employing?
Flashcards
Classical Realism
Classical Realism
Focuses on power, anarchy, and self-interest in the international system.
Defensive Realism
Defensive Realism
States prioritize security; the system constrains behavior; balancing occurs against power.
Offensive Realism
Offensive Realism
States maximize power; anarchy drives states to seek dominance; conflict is inevitable.
Classical Liberalism
Classical Liberalism
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Democratic Peace Theory
Democratic Peace Theory
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Neo-Liberalism
Neo-Liberalism
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Role of Institutions (Keohane)
Role of Institutions (Keohane)
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Soft Power
Soft Power
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Constructivism
Constructivism
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Anarchy is what states make of it
Anarchy is what states make of it
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State Identities and Interests
State Identities and Interests
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Role of Norms, Ideas, and Discourse
Role of Norms, Ideas, and Discourse
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Marxism in IR
Marxism in IR
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Imperialism (Marxist View)
Imperialism (Marxist View)
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Dependency Theory
Dependency Theory
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Core-Periphery Relationship
Core-Periphery Relationship
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Study Notes
- Schools of Thought and Key Theories for Comparative Politics
Realism and Neo-Realism
Classical Realism
- Key scholars include Thucydides, Thomas Hobbes, and Hans Morgenthau
- Key concepts are focus on power and the anarchic nature of the international system
- States are rational actors driven by self-interest
- Conflict is inevitable due to human nature
- Moral considerations are secondary to national interest
Neo-Realism (Structural Realism)
- Key scholars include Kenneth Waltz, John Mearsheimer, Robert Jervis, and Robert Gilpin
Defensive Realism (Kenneth Waltz, Robert Jervis)
- States seek security rather than power maximization
- The international system constrains state behaviour
- Excessive pursuit of power leads to balancing by other states
Offensive Realism (John Mearsheimer)
- States are power maximizers
- The anarchic international system compels states to seek dominance
- Conflict and competition are inevitable as states strive for hegemony
Liberalism and Neo-Liberalism
Classical Liberalism
- Key scholars include Montesquieu, Immanuel Kant, Woodrow Wilson, and Steven Pinker
- Cooperation and peace are possible in international relations
- Democracy, free trade, and international organizations promote peace
- Human rationality can overcome the anarchic nature of the international system
Immanuel Kant's Perpetual Peace Theory
- Democratic states are less likely to engage in war (democratic peace theory)
- International cooperation through organizations and treaties is essential.
Neo-Liberalism (Institutional Liberalism)
- Key scholars include Robert Keohane, Joseph Nye, and John Ikenberry
- Institutions mitigate anarchy and facilitate cooperation
- Absolute gains are prioritized over relative gains
- Complex interdependence reduces the likelihood of conflict
Robert Keohane's Contributions
- International institutions play a critical role in fostering cooperation
- Institutions provide information, reduce transaction costs, and create norms
Joseph Nye's Concept of Soft Power
- Soft power is the ability to shape preferences through attraction rather than coercion
- Culture, political values, and diplomacy are essential components of soft power
Constructivism
- Key scholar is Alexander Wendt
- International relations are socially constructed
- Anarchy is what states make of it (Wendt's famous assertion)
- State identities and interests are shaped by social interactions
- Norms, ideas, and discourse play a crucial role in international politics
Alexander Wendt's Key Contributions
- States are not inherently self-interested; their interests are shaped by interactions and norms
- Change in international politics is possible through changes in shared ideas and norms
Radicalism
Marxism
- Key scholars include: Karl Marx, John Hobson
- Focus is on class struggle and economic exploitation
- The international system is a reflection of capitalist interests
- Imperialism is driven by capitalist expansion (Hobson)
Dependency Theory
- Key scholar is Raul Prebisch
- Developing countries are exploited by developed nations
- The global economic system perpetuates inequality
- Dependency on core countries hinders development in peripheral countries
Key Comparisons Across Schools of Thought
- Realism/Neo-Realism states anarchy is inescapable, key actors are states, state behaviour is self-interested and power-seeking, the role of ideas is minimal and conflict is inevitable.
- Liberalism/Neo-Liberalism states anarchy is manageable through institutions, key actors are states and institutions, state behaviour is cooperative under the right conditions, the role of ideas are important for cooperation and conflict is avoidable.
- Constructivism states anarchy is constructed by social interactions, key actors are states and non-state actors, state behaviour is shaped by norms and identities, the role of ideas is central and conflict is possible but not inevitable.
- Radicalism states anarchy is a reflection of capitalist interests, key actors are economic classes, state behaviour is driven by capitalist interests, the role of ideas is ideology-driven and conflict is rooted in economic inequality.
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Description
Explore Realism and Neo-Realism, major schools of thought in comparative politics. Understand classical realism with Thucydides, Hobbes, and Morgenthau. Examine Neo-Realism's defensive (Waltz, Jervis) and offensive strands (Mearsheimer).
