Exam 2 Study Guide: International Relations Theories

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lectures on International Relations theories including Classical Liberalism, Kantian ideals, Neoliberal Institutionalism, Democratic Peace Theory, Cultural Conflict, and the impacts of globalization.

What is the main belief of Classical Liberalism regarding human nature?

Human nature is basically good, with the capability of improving moral and material conditions leading to societal progress.

According to Kant, how can international anarchy be overcome?

Through a federation of republics that maintain sovereignty.

What are the three main ways Kant suggests peace is possible?

1. Developing organizations for cooperation; 2. Operating at a low level of analysis with legislative checks; 3. Trade promotes peace.

What preliminary conditions did Kant propose for perpetual peace?

Abolish standing armies and no interference in the affairs of other states.

Define Neoliberal Institutionalism.

A theory that emphasizes the role of institutions in facilitating cooperation among self-interested states in an anarchic system.

What is the main argument of Keohane regarding Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST)?

Hegemony is neither necessary nor sufficient for cooperative relationships; cooperation and hegemony can coexist.

What is the Democratic Peace Theory (DPT)?

The theory that democracies do not fight each other due to normative and institutional reasons.

What are the normative reasons behind the Democratic Peace Theory?

Democracies rarely fight each other because they embrace compromise and trust each other to resolve conflicts through discussion.

What are the institutional reasons behind the Democratic Peace Theory?

Public and group constraints, division of power, slow mobilization, and required information disclosure.

What critique does Rosato make of the Democratic Peace Theory?

Democracies may not treat each other with trust when their interests collide.

What is diversionary war?

A conflict provoked by a leader to distract from domestic problems.

How does the concept of 'anarchy' differ in Wendt's view compared to Waltz's?

Waltz believes anarchy conditions state interests, while Wendt argues states can influence the structure of international anarchy.

What does Huntington claim is the principal source of conflict in global politics?

Cultural divisions among civilizations.

List the eight major civilizations identified by Huntington.

1. Sinic 2. Japanese 3. Hindu 4. Islamic 5. Orthodox 6. Western 7. Latin American 8. African.

What critique does Copeland have regarding Constructivism?

Wendt does not address the problem of uncertainty, which can lead security-seeking states to fight.

What is Gourevitch's concept of the 'second image reversed'?

That the state impacts the international system rather than only the system impacting the state.

What is meant by 'national security' according to Al Mashat?

The ability for a society to protect its survival and sustain a quality of life for its citizens.

What role did the Bretton Woods institutions play in global economics?

Stabilizing national currencies and financing reconstruction of European economies post-World War II.

What was the goal of the Marshall Plan?

To provide financial assistance for the reconstruction of European countries after WWII.

What has happened to the USD's peg to gold?

The USD is no longer pegged to gold since the post-Bretton Woods world.

How has globalization impacted immigration policies in developed countries?

Policies now aim to offset declining birth rates through increased immigration and other strategies.

What are some critiques of globalization?

The rise of right-wing populist movements, civil tension, and weaker international organizations.

What is cryptocurrency?

A decentralized digital money designed for internet use, secured by blockchain technology.

What actions have governments taken in response to cryptocurrency?

China has cracked down on crypto; the US has established strict taxation systems.

What is Keohane's response to Mearsheimer's critique on Liberal Institutionalism?

He argues that smaller states, like Switzerland, can avoid security competition and that investment in institutions proves their importance.

What do the terms 'classical realism' and 'neorealism' refer to in International Relations?

Classical realism focuses on human nature and power politics; neorealism analyzes structure and systemic interactions.

What does the phrase 'security is accumulation of power' signify in traditional approaches?

More power leads to more security in an adversarial international environment.