English School - Lecture 1: The Anarchical Society

Practice questions based on Hedley Bull's 'The Anarchical Society' and the core tenets of the English School of International Relations.

How does Hedley Bull (1977) define international order?

A 'pattern of activity that sustains the primary goals of the society of states, or international society'.

What are the three 'primary' goals of the society of states mentioned in the lecture?

1] limitation of inter-state violence, 2] observance of international agreements, and 3] respect of sovereignty.

According to Bull (1977), when does an 'international society' exist?

When 'a group of states, conscious of certain common interests and common values, form a society in the sense that they conceive themselves to be bound by a common set of rules in their relations with one another and share the working of common institutions'.

How did the 18th-century European states historically view 'outsiders' within the international society?

Outsiders were considered 'barbarians' and were bound to Europeans only by an international system, not an international society.

How is an 'international system' defined in the realist tradition associated with Hobbes?

It is formed when 'two or more states have sufficient contact between them, and have sufficient impact on one another's decisions'.

What is the logical relationship between an international system and an international society?

A system is logically prior to a society; a system can exist without a society, but a society cannot exist without a system.

What historical example is used to describe the 'ugly implications' of the international system regarding Europe

Rise of fascism and leaders such as Hitler

In the revolutionary tradition (Marxist or Kantian), what is the core assumption of the 'community of mankind'?

That the individual is more important than the system and possesses the same rights everywhere.

Which transnational movements are cited as historical examples of the 'International Community'?

The French and Bolshevik revolutions, anti-colonial liberation movements (e.g., Egypt supporting the Algerian revolution), and Cuba’s support for independence in Angola and Mozambique.

preference for international society, empirically valid

International society has withstood the threats of the international system and community, it has been able to self-sustain itself.

preference for international society, normatively valid

The international system is a dangerous place and results in constant threat of war. The international community is undesirable because we live in a world of nation states, trying to covert people into ideas can lead to war.

What are the five institutions identified to maintain order in International Society?

1] Balance of Power, 2] International Law, 3] Diplomacy, 4] War, and 5] Great Powers.

What is Hidemi Suganami’s criticism of Bull’s 'elementary goals'?

Suganami argues they are 'the sorts of goals that are cherished by those who are satisfied with the existing scheme of things'.

What is the difference between 'pluralists' and 'solidarists' as discussed by Tim Dunne?

Pluralists focus on 'thin morality' (sovereignty), while solidarists focus on 'thick morality' (minimum standard of behaviour by states).