Q2: GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Liberalist view on cooperation

Individuals and states are rational and capable of cooperation; diplomacy and economic interdependence create mutually beneficial relationships.

Economic interdependence and conflict

When states rely on each other economically, the cost of war increases, making peaceful resolution of disputes desirable.

Marxist view on human rationality

Human behavior is driven by class struggle, with economic systems shaping people's interests and decisions.

Liberalist view on institutions reducing war

Institutions foster cooperation and make war less likely by addressing shared concerns and goals between states.

Democratic peace theory

Democracies are less likely to go to war with each other due to common values and norms promoting peaceful resolution.

Constructivist theory

State behavior is shaped by social structures, including shared beliefs and identities, rather than just material interests.

State interest

Strategic, political, and economic objectives pursued by a state in the international arena.

Dependency theory

Global economic system is exploitative, with wealthy nations extracting resources from poorer nations, creating inequality.

Realist perspective on Russia-Ukraine 2014

Conflict viewed as a power struggle for regional dominance and security concerns.

Liberalist perspective on Russia-Ukraine 2014

Conflicts arose due to failures in effective diplomacy and international cooperation.

Constructivist perspective on Russia-Ukraine 2014

Focus on historical identity and norms, such as Russia's desire for influence over Ukraine.

Power polarity

Distribution of power among states; can be unipolar, multipolar, bipolar, or nonpolar.

Balance of power

Preventing any single state from becoming overwhelmingly dominant to maintain stability in international relations.

International relations perspective on role-based government

Liberalism views states as part of a larger international system regulated by institutions and norms.

Anarchy in constructivism

Anarchy does not directly determine state behavior; it is shaped by identities, norms, and beliefs.

Liberals and pluralism

Liberalism views states as pluralist entities influenced by various competing actors.

Dictators vs. democratic leaders

Dictators face fewer constraints allowing faster decision-making; democratic leaders are held accountable.

Cognitive consistency in decision-making

Tendency of leaders to stick to preconceived beliefs, potentially leading to poor decision-making.

Mirror imaging

Assuming other states or leaders share similar thoughts and intentions, leading to misunderstandings.

Realism

Focus on power shifts, war, and military dominance in international relations.

Example of Realism

Cold War, WWI, WWII.

Liberalism

Focus on economic growth, institutions, and trade in international relations.

Example of Liberalism

WTO, UN, global finance.

Constructivism

Focus on ideas, norms, and social movements in international relations.

Example of Constructivism

Decolonization, human rights.

Mutually beneficial relationships

Relationships that provide advantages to both sides, reducing conflict likelihood.

Rational cooperation

The belief that individuals and states act rationally to engage in cooperative behavior.

Institutional frameworks

Structures created by international organizations to promote cooperation and reduce conflict.

Political accountability

The requirement for leaders in democratic societies to answer to the public and institutions.

Cognitive dissonance

The discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or values.

Historical identity

The collective memory and shared experiences that shape a state's sense of self and behavior.