International Relations Lecture Notes

Flashcards about International Relations

Protectionism

To protect local jobs/industries.

Environment/Health

Safety standards for imports.

Security

Avoid reliance on hostile nations.

Tools of Power

Use trade as leverage (e.g., sanctions).

Floating Exchange Rate

Based on supply & demand, interest rates, economic stability, exports/imports.

FTA (Free Trade Agreement)

Removes/reduces tariffs/barriers.

Customs Union (CU)

FTA + Common external tariff.

Bilateral Agreement

Between 2 countries.

Multilateral Agreement

3+ countries, harder to negotiate.

Unilateral Agreement

One-sided; no return expected.

Theory of Comparative Advantage

Countries should specialize in what they’re best at and trade for the rest.

Tariffs

Taxes on imports.

Quotas

Limits on import quantities.

Standards

Product rules (e.g. safety/health).

Purpose of Alliances

Collective defense, shared resources, increase global influence.

Article 5 (NATO)

Attack on one = attack on all

Pro-Empire Perspectives

Infrastructure & education, modernization, global connections.

Anti-Empire Perspectives

Exploitation of resources/labor, cultural destruction & racism, inequality & repression.

Empire expansion -Key Drivers of Empire Expansion (19th C)

Markets for goods, Ideology, Nationalism, Extraction of resources.

What Makes a Superpower

Military strength, economic power, global influence.

Main Goals of the United Nations

Peace & security, economic development, social progress, human rights.

General Assembly

Every country = 1 vote.

Security Council

5 permanent members w/ veto.

Globalisation

Increasing interdependence of countries in terms of economics, culture, and societies.

Trade Agreements

Treaties between two or more countries that establish rules for buying/selling goods/services.

Tariffs

Taxes on imports.

Quotas

Limits on import quantities.

Standards

Product rules (e.g. safety/health).

Bilateral

Between two countries/territories creating easier negotiation than multilateral agreements

Multilateral

3 or more countries and are often the most powerful but also have more obstacles.

Unilateral

Agreements where one country offers preferential treatment to another without requiring reciprocity

FTA (Free Trade Agreements)

Aim to eliminate or reduce tariffs and other trade barriers between participating countries, easier for goods/services

CU

Go a step further than FTAs by not only eliminating internal tariffs but also adopting a common external tariff against non-members. This means all members apply the same tariffs to imports from outside the union (e.g., the European Union Customs Union).

Why do we trade?

Why Countries Trade: Access to wider range of goods and services, Resources not available domestically, Additional supply of scarce or limited resources, Efficiency and specialization via comparative advantage, Boosts economic growth and consumer choice.

How important can trade be to the success of a society?

How Trade Impacts Society: Encourages innovation and industrial growth, Expands markets and promotes diplomacy, Generates jobs and increases national income, Reduces poverty when managed inclusively.

Why do countries sometimes restrict trade?

Why Nations Restrict Trade: To protect local industries and jobs (protectionism), National security concerns, Environmental or health standards, Political tools (e.g. sanctions, retaliation).

Alliances

Agreements or partnerships between two or more parties (such as countries or organizations) to support each other for mutual benefit, often in military, political, or economic matters.

Capitalism

An economic system where the means of production, such as businesses and factories, are privately owned and operated for profit. The market largely determines prices, supply, and demand, with minimal government interference.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society where the means of production are owned and controlled by the community or the state. The goal is to eliminate private ownership and ensure equal distribution of wealth and resources.

Empires

Large political entities or states that extend their control over other regions or territories, often through conquest, colonization, or dominance. Empires typically have centralized power and a significant influence over their subject areas.

Imperialism

A policy or ideology in which a country extends its power and dominance over other nations or territories, often by military force, colonization, or economic influence, with the aim of expanding its own interests.

Liberal Democracy

A form of government in which leaders are elected through fair and free elections, with a strong emphasis on individual rights, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. It promotes political freedoms and equality under the law.

Missionary

A person sent on a religious mission, typically to promote and spread their faith in a foreign country or among different cultural or religious groups. Missionaries often engage in social, educational, or humanitarian work as part of their mission.

League of Nations

Created after WWI to promote peace and prevent future wars. U.S. never joined, weakening its authority. Lacked a military force to enforce decisions. Required unanimous consent for action, making it slow and ineffective. Failed to address major crises (e.g., Japan's invasion of Manchuria, Italy’s attack on Ethiopia). Could not prevent aggression from rising powers.

United Nations (UN)

Created after WWII to address shortcomings of the League. Includes broader membership (including the U.S.), strengthening legitimacy. Established a powerful Security Council with peacekeeping forces and military capabilities. Decision-making process is more efficient, allowing quicker responses. More effective in taking action through peacekeeping missions and sanctions.

Factors of rapid expansion in the 19th century

Industrial Revolution (need for raw materials, markets). Military power and naval dominance. Nationalism and competition among European powers. Ideological motives: Social Darwinism, “civilizing mission.”

Factors of supranational alliances and organizations

Desire to prevent future wars (e.g., after WWI & WWII). Economic cooperation and rebuilding (e.g., Marshall Plan, EU). Collective security (e.g., NATO, UN). Shared interests (e.g., environmental, trade, defense).

Factors of development of superpowers

Victory in global conflicts (e.g., WWII). Economic and military strength. Influence over international institutions (IMF, World Bank). Technological advancement (e.g., space race, nuclear capability).

Role of economic self-interest and ideology in the development of empires

Empires often pursue wealth (resources, labor, markets). Ideologies like nationalism or "civilizing" missions justify expansion. Strategic interests (naval bases, global dominance) are key drivers.

Why nations form alliances

To increase security and defense. To share resources or gain influence. To address global issues cooperatively (e.g., climate change, trade).

Ways that nations dominate other nations

Militarily (occupation, proxy wars). Economically (aid dependence, trade imbalances). Politically (influence in international organizations). Culturally (media, language, values).

Imperialism benefits: agree or disagree?

Arguments for: Infrastructure, education, global connections. Arguments against: Exploitation, cultural loss, political oppression.

Supranational Alliances: Good or bad?

Pros: Promote cooperation, prevent wars, coordinate global efforts. Cons: Can be dominated by powerful nations, may undermine sovereignty.