Introduction to International Politics Midterm

Realism

A theory of international relations that is based on the key idea of anarchy and power. There is no overarching power (anarchy) and States prioritize self-help and increase their power relative to the other states. As one state increases its power, others may respond in kind, leading to a constant struggle for power and security.

EXAMPLE: Cold war arms race is security dilemma 

Neorealism

Branch of realism that focus on the distribution of power. Neorealists look at the structure of the international system as an explanatory factor. Bipolarity is the safest distribution of power in the international system.

Liberalism

Liberalism is an international relations theory based off the belief that humans are inherently good. Believes in the principles of collective action where states unify together to solve a collective problem. Institutional change = less violence. Democracy is favored due to its lack of excessive government interference and Free trade is necessary to cause interdependence of the states which will cause less war.

EXAMPLE: League of nations represents an alliance where there is collective action

Neo-Liberalism

Based on the question “if realists are right and anarchy leads to conflict why do we see so much cooperation?” They believe that collective interdependence is the reasoning for this and that states don’t only care about security but also value common interests

Constructivism

Views international politics through a focus of norms and identities

How do state identities and cultures impact their interests and interactions with the rest of the world

EXAMPLE Sunni (Saudi arabia) and Shia (Iran) have two different belief systems and could be the reasoning behind their actions during Syria’s conflict. Iran backed the government while Saudi Arabia backed the resistance groups.

Marxism

Feminist

What is the origin of Sovereignty

Peace of Westphalia - established ideas of individual states and respecting boarders and non-interference

Principles of Sovereignty

Supreme Authority

• the government in a state has full authority over that state and the laws made there

Territorial Integrity

• states have to respect other boarders and not try to forcefully expand

non-interference

• Countries should not interfere with other countries domestic affairs

why is sovereignty hard in practice

in situations we are faced with human rights violations some states may step in to end the situation occurring which is technically interfering with sovereignty.  

Jus Ad Bellum 

• Legitimate authority 

  • do you have authority in this conflict / a position in this conflict 

• Just cause 

  • is there a rightful reason for entering war 

• Right Intention 

  • is there a good intention behind war - striving for something good 

• Probability of success 

  • do you have a high chance of winning 

• Last resort 

  • have all other methods failed 

Jus In Bello

• Distinction 

  • separate civilians from militants 

• Proportionality 

  • no excessive force 

• military necessity 

  • are your actions necessary 

• No use of evil weapons or methods 

• Fair Treatment 

  •  fair treatment towards prisoners of war and others involved 

Forms of Power

Dimensions of Power

Faces of power

Security Dilemma 

Rationalist Explanations for War

Actors have divergent interests and interact to gain these interests. These interactions are strategic. War happens when there is an unsuccessful bargaining and crisis bargaining

Explanations for why there are unsuccessful bargains that cause war

War from incomplete information

• incentives to lie and misrepresent information about strength and resolve