International Politics Unit 1

Economic Interdependence

Countries become economically reliant on one another due to the global nature of trade, investment, and production.

High and Low Politics

'High' urgency politics involve war and peace affairs, while 'low' urgency politics include human rights or domestic issues.

Inside-out Approach

A liberal viewpoint that domestic actions of countries influence their behavior in International Relations.

Democratic Peace Theory

Democracies are less likely to go to war with each other.

Regime Theory

Analyzes how international institutions influence state behavior.

Neo-Neo Debate

The discussion between neorealism, which focuses on competition, and neoliberalism, which emphasizes cooperation.

Unipolar vs. Bipolar system

Unipolar means one large force has power, while bipolar indicates power is distributed evenly among two major forces.

Marxism

A critique of the class system and the international border system.

Economic Base

The primary industries that generate a state's income through exports.

Superstructure

Marxist concept encompassing politics, law, morality, metaphysics, and religion as shaped by human ideas.

Class Conflict

Tension between different social classes that can impact international relations.

Bourgeoisie

The capitalist class that owns the means of production and exerts economic power.

Proletariat

The working class of society.

Dependency Theory

Explains the disparity in wealth where poorer countries sell labor and resources cheaply to wealthier nations.

World Systems Theory

Analyzes the division of labor globally, explaining how less stable governments rely on core countries for capital.

The Communist Manifesto

A political pamphlet by Marx advocating for social change, including free and universal education.

Constructivism

A theory in international relations that emphasizes the role of norms and identities formed by human ideas.

Social Constructs

Ideas and identities shaped by human beliefs and practices rather than being naturally occurring.

Social Facts

Shared beliefs and norms within the international relations system.

Norms and Rules

Shared expectations in international relations regarding issues like sovereignty and human rights.

Shaping Identity

How states define themselves and interact both domestically and internationally.

Diffusion of Ideas

The process through which new theories and ideas spread throughout a community.

Feminist Theory

A critique of male-dominated international relations theories, developed post-WWII.

Difference vs. Liberal Feminism

Difference feminism emphasizes inherent peace-promoting traits in women, while liberal feminism advocates for equal capabilities between genders.

International Relations

The study of interactions between states in the global system.

State Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself without external interference.

Levels of Analysis

Three levels: individual, state, and systemic, used to analyze international relations.

Thirty Years’ War

A European conflict that weakened the divine right of kings and advanced the concept of state authority.

Peace of Westphalia (1648)

The treaty that ended the Thirty Years’ War and established the first modern state system.

European State-Making (Tilly)

A theory describing state-making as a process involving force, cooperation, and the legitimate use of power.

Divine Right of Kings

The belief that a monarch's authority derives directly from God, limiting accountability.

The Great Divergence

The economic disparity where the UK and USA advanced rapidly compared to China, India, and Africa.

Realism and Human Nature

A pessimistic view in international relations emphasizing self-interest and power-seeking behaviors.

Thucydides Melian

An account of the Athenian conquest of Melos, showcasing the consequences of naivety in negotiation.

Dialogue

Formal diplomatic negotiations between states.

Machiavelli’s The Prince

A political treatise advocating the use of any means to maintain authority and state security.

Hobbes’ Leviathan

A foundational realist work focusing on human nature and the need for self-preservation.

Anarchy

The absence of a central authority in international relations, interpreted differently by realists, liberals, and constructivists.

Statism

The belief that states are the primary actors in international relations.

Power

The capacity to influence others, viewed differently by realists, liberals, and constructivists.

Survival

The priority of states to maintain their own existence and sovereignty.

Self-Help

The reliance of states on their own resources to ensure their security.

Liberalism and Human Nature

The liberal perspective that views human nature as inherently good or improvable.

Locke’s Two Treatises

Philosophical works addressing the law of nature and moral conduct.

Rousseau’s Social Contract

The principle that the general will of the people is the legitimate source of legislative authority.

Kant’s Perpetual Peace

The concept that peace must be lasting and not merely temporary.

Pluralism

An approach in international relations that values diversity and encourages varied national contributions.