International Pols

Realism

Power is the primary currency in international relations.

Key Thinkers of Realism

Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Morgenthau.

Principles of Realism

Focus on state interests, power distribution, and the anarchic nature of the international system.

Neo-Realism

Systemic level analysis, security dilemma, balance of power, rational state behavior.

Key Thinker of Neo-Realism

Kenneth Waltz.

Liberalism

Emphasizes human goodness, civil liberties, and cooperation.

Key Thinkers of Liberalism

John Locke, Immanuel Kant.

Principles of Liberalism

Interdependence, progress through change, republicanism.

Constructivism

Reality is socially constructed; ideas and practices shape state behavior.

Vertical Proliferation

Stockpiling of armaments within a single country.

Horizontal Proliferation

Spread of weapons and technology across borders.

Example of Vertical Proliferation

A country increasing its own arsenal (e.g., having 300 weapons).

Example of Horizontal Proliferation

The U.S. shipping weapons to Ukraine.

Conventional Weapons

Includes guns, tanks, artillery shells, planes, and ships.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons that cause significant devastation even in small quantities.

Type 1 Proliferation

Vertical proliferation of conventional weapons (defense budgets).

Type 2 Proliferation

Horizontal proliferation of conventional weapons.

Type 3 Proliferation

Vertical proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Type 4 Proliferation

Horizontal proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to additional countries or non-state actors.

Security Concerns

Increased risk of conflict and instability due to proliferation.

Non-Proliferation Treaties

Efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

Regional Dynamics

How neighboring countries respond to a state acquiring WMD.

Technological Advancements

The role of technology in facilitating proliferation.

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

Created and controlled by sovereign states.

Example of a Broad Function IGO

European Union (EU).

Example of a Narrow Focus IGO

International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Global Level IGO

United Nations (UN).

Regional Level IGO

African Union (AU).

Club Level IGO

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).