The Great Debates in International Relations

A condition in international relations where there is no overarching authority or government to enforce rules or maintain order.

The primary objective of states in the international system, as they operate in an anarchic environment where survival is paramount.

A theoretical framework in international relations that emphasizes the role of anarchy in shaping state behavior, focusing on distribution of power and the balance of power among states.

A concept in international relations where power is distributed relatively evenly among multiple states, leading to a more complex and interconnected system.

A concept in international relations where power is concentrated in two dominant states or blocs, leading to a more stable and predictable system.

The process by which states adjust their military capabilities and alliances to maintain a balance of power, preventing any single state from becoming too powerful.

The liberalizing reforms of glasnost ('openness') and perestroika ('reorganization') introduced by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s, contributing to the end of the Cold War.

A period of heightened tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, marked by increased military, economic, and diplomatic pressure from the US, contributing to the eventual end of the Cold War.

States exist and operate in a system where there's no overarching authority (like a world government); each state is equal and independent.

The fundamental idea that states must act in ways determined by the structure of the international system, regardless of their own internal characteristics or preferences.

The idea that states are functionally similar despite their differences in cultures, ideologies, or systems of government. All states must perform basic tasks like collecting taxes, conducting foreign policy, etc.

A theory that explains international events by focusing on the characteristics and actions of individual leaders.

A theory that explains international events by focusing on the internal characteristics of states, like their economic systems or political ideologies.

A theory that explains international events by focusing on the structure of the international system.

States differ significantly only regarding their varying capabilities in performing similar tasks.

All states have the right to make their own decisions about internal and external problems.

States are formally equal in their legal status, but often unequal in their power.

States act in ways that they believe will best serve their self-interest.

States are like machines that respond to the constraints of the international system.

The most powerful states (great powers) have a significant influence on the international system.

A theory in international relations that emphasizes the role of international institutions in facilitating cooperation among states, even in the absence of a global authority.

A situation where states can gain collectively from cooperation, even if individual states might benefit more from defecting.

The process by which international organizations (IOs) encourage states to cooperate by providing information, setting standards, and fostering trust.

A situation where cooperation leads to a greater overall benefit for all participants, compared to if they acted individually.

A game theory scenario where two individuals acting in their own self-interest end up with a worse outcome than if they had cooperated.

The most efficient outcome for all participants in a game theory scenario, even if it might not be the best for each individual.

The behavior of individuals or states that benefit from cooperation but avoid contributing to the effort.

For neo-liberals, international regimes are efficient and beneficial because they create absolute gains for all participating states. Regimes can be thought of as sets of rules or principles that govern the behavior of states in a particular area of international relations.

The repeated interaction between states over time, which can foster trust and cooperation by building reputation.

The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a multilateral agreement designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote nuclear disarmament. It aims to limit the spread of nuclear weapons to new countries (horizontal proliferation) and encourage existing nuclear powers to disarm.

The NPT seeks to ensure that all states, including those without nuclear weapons, have access to peaceful nuclear technology. This means that countries can use nuclear energy for civilian purposes like electricity generation.

The NPT is overseen by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors the implementation of the treaty and ensures that countries are complying with its provisions.

The NPT has been successful in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to many countries. The treaty has also contributed to the disarmament of some states, with countries like South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Sweden, Ukraine, Byelorussia, and Kazakhstan renouncing the atomic bomb.

The NPT has contributed to the establishment of other regional agreements that seek to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons. Examples include the Rarotonga Treaty in the Pacific region and the Tlatelolco Treaty in Latin America.

The NPT has helped to stigmatize the behavior of states that violate the treaty, like North Korea and Iran. International condemnation and sanctions can be used to pressure these states to change their behavior.

The NPT serves as the basis for international exchanges in promoting the peaceful development of nuclear energy. It fosters cooperation and provides a framework for sharing expertise and technology among states.

A state's relative power compared to other states, signifying its dominance and ability to influence others.

A state so powerful economically and militarily that it significantly influences the domestic and foreign policies of other countries.

A state that exerts influence over a specific region, not the entire world.

A state that holds significant dominance over the global political and economic landscape.

A renewed liberal approach that avoids the idealistic assumptions of earlier liberal theories.

The idea that states can cooperate in the international system and achieve shared goals.

International institutions and regimes that facilitate cooperation between states by providing information, resolving collective action problems, and enforcing compliance.

A theory that argues that states can act in ways that go beyond just seeking power and can cooperate to achieve mutual interests.