GP Theories

John Mearsheimer - Offensive Structural Realism

Pursue power (hard power) whenever possible in order to maintain dominance and increase the state’s survivability.

Kenneth Waltz - Defensive Structural Realism

It is unwise to pursue power due to economic reasons; and also due to the ‘Balance of Power’ effect that would occur.

John Locke - Liberalism

Places emphasis on interdependence and complex interdependence. Stresses on change and cooperation and takes into consideration the influence of non-state actors as well.

Joseph Nye - Soft Power

Use attractive aspects of the state to increase the sphere of influence, eg. culture, globalization, language, education institutes etc.

John Locke - Liberalism

Natural need for laws and governance; best state of humanity.

Thomas Hobbes - Classical Realism

Laws exist only to protect us from each other; the worst state of humanity.

Antonio Gramsci - Cultural Hegemony

Describes how a state and capitalist class use cultural influence to remain in power.

John Rawls - Universalism

Certain ideas have universal application, the existence of a ‘fundamental truth’. “Veil of Ignorance” theory.

Jack Donelley - Cultural Relativism

This is the idea that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on their own culture, rather than judged by the standards of another culture. An example of cultural relativism is the practice of female genital mutilation in some African cultures, which is considered a violation of human rights by many Western cultures, but is seen as a cultural tradition by those who practice it.

Amartya Sen - Collaboration

There should be a middle ground while determining human rights that considers relativism and universalism.

Adam Smith - Classic Monetarist

Known as the ‘father of economics’. Also a strong proponent of classic capitalist theory of free market and the ‘invisible hand’.

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Karl Marx - Communism/ Socialism

Founder of the theory of communism which suggests that the working class should hold all control to resources and the production process. (it's currently synonymous with command economy).

Milton Friedman - Monetarist

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A leading exponent of free market system and monetarism, opposing any form of government intervention. Strong critic of Keynesian economics.

Susan George - Developmental Economics

Focuses on social justice, debt and causes of underdevelopment. Strong critic of capitalist policies that promote ‘maldevelopment’.

John Maynard Keynes - Keynesian Economics

Suggested fundamental change in the macroeconomic policies by suggesting government intervention in the form of fiscal and monetary reforms by affecting money supply and tax rates to adjust unemployment rates and inflation (and get out of recession).

Abraham Maslow - Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

basic needs: physical & safety needs

psychological needs: belonging, love & self esteem needs

self fulfillment needs: self actualization

Walter Runciman - Relative depravation

The theory of relative deprivation explains the concept of relative poverty. According to this theory, individuals compare themselves to others in society and feel deprived if they perceive themselves to be worse off than others. This can lead to feelings of frustration, resentment, and social exclusion. In contrast, absolute poverty is often explained by structural factors such as lack of access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Richard Thaler - Behavioural Economics

Famous for the libertarian paternalism, better known as the “nudge” theory which advocates for private and public social policies which urge people to make better economic decisions without infringing on their freedom extensively.