Theories of International Relations Overview
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Questions and Answers

What are the essential characteristics that a good theory of International Relations must possess?

A good theory must have coherence, clarity, impartiality, breadth, and depth.

Why are theories considered inevitable in the context of International Relations?

Theories are inevitable because they simplify the complexities of the world, helping people make sense of various events.

Name at least three classical theories of International Relations.

Realism, Liberalism, and the English School (International Society).

What distinguishes Classical Realism from other theories in International Relations?

<p>Classical Realism is distinguished by its emphasis on the traditional understanding of power dynamics between political units.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do subjective values play in the formulation of theories of International Relations?

<p>Subjective values cannot be entirely eliminated but should be stated openly and subjected to objective evaluation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Morgenthau mean by the term 'animus dominandi'?

<p>It refers to the human desire for power and superiority over others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Morgenthau argue that it's irresponsible to expect politicians to act as normal people?

<p>He believes that adherence to a predefined set of virtues can endanger the state's survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one dimension of the animus dominandi concept.

<p>The desire to be in a position of superiority towards another.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate objective of politics, according to Morgenthau?

<p>The immediate objective is power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Morgenthau suggest may sometimes be necessary for survival in political leadership?

<p>Taking immoral decisions such as lying or spying.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Morgenthau view the relationship between politics and economics?

<p>He sees politics as an autonomous sphere that cannot be reduced to economics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Morgenthau state about the immutable character of human nature?

<p>He claims it is egotistic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Morgenthau, what can we learn from history regarding politics?

<p>History repeats itself, indicating that understanding patterns is crucial.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern for states in neorealism regarding international relations?

<p>The primary concern is the distribution of capabilities across the system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does neorealism differ from classical realism in terms of state behavior?

<p>Neorealism attributes state behavior to structural constraints rather than human nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are states required to rely on in an anarchic international system according to neorealism?

<p>States must rely on self-help mechanisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal for states in the neorealist framework?

<p>The primary goal is survival and ensuring the security of the state.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to neorealism, how does the configuration of the international system affect stability?

<p>The configuration can determine if the system is stable, such as in a bipolar or multipolar structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do alliances play in the balance of power within neorealism?

<p>States form alliances to balance against more powerful states to ensure their security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the main founder of neorealism, and what is his notable work?

<p>Kenneth Waltz is the main founder and his notable work is 'Theory of International Politics.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do states in neorealism act as uniform actors?

<p>Neorealism views states as uniform actors constrained by the international system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Thucydides assert about the moral arguments in the context of state relations?

<p>Moral arguments have very little importance in state relations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Machiavelli's view, what must a prince sometimes do in the interest of the State?

<p>A prince must sometimes operate against faith, humanity, and religion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Hobbes describe the state of nature, and why do people form states?

<p>Hobbes describes the state of nature as miserable, repugnant, and brief, prompting people to accept absolute rule for safety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'international state of nature' as theorized by Hobbes?

<p>The 'international state of nature' refers to the anarchy of the international system where no state can dominate others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to classical realists, what is the natural order among states with regard to power dynamics?

<p>The natural order is that the stronger states prevail over the weaker ones.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two qualities does Machiavelli suggest are essential for a prince to navigate a chaotic world?

<p>Strength (lion) and cunningness (fox) are essential qualities for a prince.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What core value do Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Hobbes share regarding state behavior?

<p>They share the core value of prioritizing state survival and security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the classical realist perspective on peace in international affairs as compared to domestic peace.

<p>Classical realists believe there will never be a peace resembling the domestic realm in international affairs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does strategic realism differ from classical realism in terms of moral connotation?

<p>Strategic realism loses its moral connotation and is more descriptive than normative.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key theory does Schelling's analysis use to explain actor behavior in international relations?

<p>Schelling uses game theory to explain the behavior of actors in international relations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crucial elements must a threat possess to be considered credible according to Schelling?

<p>A threat must be credible and capable based on a realistic assessment of costs and benefits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of national interests, what assumption does neorealism make?

<p>Neorealism takes the national interest for granted, emphasizing that states inherently seek to ensure their survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does diplomacy play within the framework of conflict according to Schelling?

<p>Diplomacy acts as a bargaining process to prevent conflict when efficient bargaining is possible.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does neorealism approach the aspect of human nature compared to classical realism?

<p>Neorealism avoids discussing the immutable aspects of human nature, focusing more on structural elements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What psychological element does Schelling include in his rational framework of international relations?

<p>Schelling includes the importance of perception and the potential for mistaken interpretations in a rational framework.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes neorealism's approach to scientific methodology from Schelling's application of game theory?

<p>Neorealism attempts to provide scientific foundations without specifically using game theory or microeconomics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes neorealism from classical realism in terms of its analytical approach?

<p>Neorealism adopts a scientific and systemic approach for general predictions, while classical realism is more descriptive and case-specific.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of realism in explaining the collapse of the USSR?

<p>Realism is criticized for its inability to explain and predict systemic change, particularly the bloodless collapse of the USSR.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Mearsheimer, how does he view the relevance of neorealism post-1989?

<p>Mearsheimer argues that neorealism remains relevant and can help explain and foresee future global changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What outcome does Mearsheimer predict for a multipolar system compared to the Cold War?

<p>Mearsheimer predicts that a multipolar system would lead to global systemic instability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Mearsheimer characterize the motivation of states regarding security and hegemony?

<p>Mearsheimer posits that states seek not only security but also conquest and strive for hegemony.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the security dilemma as described in the content?

<p>The security dilemma refers to the situation where efforts to enhance one's own security inadvertently decrease the security of others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the example given, what motivates Iran to build a nuclear weapon?

<p>Iran builds a nuclear weapon claiming it is for defense against hostile states surrounding it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are neighboring states like Saudi Arabia and Israel concerned about Iran's nuclear ambitions?

<p>They cannot be certain that Iran will not use its nuclear weapon to blackmail or threaten them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Theories of International Relations

  • Theories are inevitable due to the complexity of the world requiring simplification to make sense of events.
  • Theories are tools used by people, even if they don't recognize it.

Characteristics of a Good Theory

  • Coherence: Avoid internal inconsistencies.
  • Clarity: Be clearly and linearly formulated; overly complicated theories are usually bad.
  • Impartiality: Avoid subjective values; explicitly state and evaluate values objectively.
  • Breadth: Be relevant to many important cases.
  • Depth: Be relevant to numerous aspects within a single case.

Classical Theories in IR

  • Realism
  • Liberalism
  • International Society/English School
  • Classical Political-Economic Theories

Contemporary Approaches

  • Constructivism
  • Post-modernism
  • Critical Theory
  • Post-colonial and feminist theories

Classical Realism

  • The most traditional approach to understanding relations between political units.
  • Pre-dates the nation-state.
  • Key figures: Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes.

Thucydides (Peloponnesian War)

  • Contributed to two main realist tenets:
    • The international system influences state relations.
    • Moral arguments have little importance.
    • Foresight, caution, and logic are essential for leadership.
  • Extract from the "Melian Dialogue": "The powerful does what it can, the weak suffers what it must."

Machiavelli (The Prince)

  • "The prince cannot observe all practices deemed good and virtuous."
  • The world is dangerous yet also full of opportunity.
  • Leaders need to be aware of danger, cautious but also strong and brutal when needed.
  • The lion (strength) and the fox (cunningness) are the best allies.
  • Some see his writings as a guide for survival in a chaotic and immoral world.

Hobbes (Leviathan)

  • The state of nature is miserable, repugnant, and brief.
  • People group together to accept absolute rule for safety.
  • International arena lacks a governing authority; states exist in a state of nature.
  • Theorizer of the anarchy of the international system (international state of nature).

Core Values of Classic Realists

  • Thucydides: Security, inevitability, power drive.
  • Machiavelli: Political acumen, state survival, amorality.
  • Hobbes: Security, compromise, peace.

Modern Realism

  • The world is a hostile environment where stronger powers prevail.
  • States must understand their place in the world.
  • International relations are constantly changing; moments of peace are transitory.
  • Cunning, resolution, and brutality may be necessary for national survival.
  • History repeats itself - understand patterns.
  • First modern realists: Morgenthau, Gelpin.

Morgenthau's Realism

  • All humans have a desire for power (animus dominandi).
  • Two dimensions:
    • Each person wants superiority over others.
    • Each person wants a political space free from other's impositions.
  • 'Politics is a fight for power over other people'

Classical Realism’s Criticisms

  • Inability to explain and predict systemic change.
  • Inability to explain the bloodless collapse of the USSR.

Mearsheimer's Twist

  • End of Cold War created an epistemic problem for realism.
  • Classical realism explains why wars and attempts at hegemony happen, while Schelling and Waltz provide frameworks for understanding state conflict in the nuclear age.
  • Mearsheimer argues that neorealism remains relevant.

Offensive Realism

  • States prioritize conquest and hegemony, not just security.
  • States are only safe when they are the hegemon.

Security Dilemma

  • Anarchy compels states to increase military power for self-protection.
  • Actions taken by one state to improve its security can reduce the security of other states.
  • This creates a cycle of mistrust and arms races.

Security Dilemma Spiral

  • A distrusts B, increasing its own power for defense.
  • B interprets A's action as offensive, increases its own power for defense.
  • Cycle continues.

Neorealism

  • Attempts to provide scientific foundations to realism.
  • Focuses on the structural constraints of the international system, not human nature.
  • Removes characteristics associated with classic realism. (no need to specify human nature of the actors).
  • Anarchic Structure: International system lacks a central government.
  • Distribution of Capabilities: States focus on distribution of capabilities in the system, rather than actor's intentions.
  • Balance of Power: States balance against more powerful actors.
  • Predictability: Possible to make general predictions on state behavior due to the constraints.
  • Difference with classical realism: Structural constraints are central versus human nature driving behaviors.

Neorealism - Kenneth Waltz

  • Founder of Neorealism with work "Theory of International Politics."
  • Configuring international systems creates bipolar and multipolar outcomes.
  • Three levels of analysis - looking at international relations as a hierarchical system

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Explore the foundational theories of international relations, including realism, liberalism, and contemporary approaches such as constructivism and critical theory. Understand the characteristics that define good theories and their relevance to real-world events. This quiz will enhance your grasp of complex international dynamics.

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