Theories of International Relations & International Organizations

Vocabulary flashcards covering key theories, concepts and mid-level approaches discussed in Topic 2 of POLI 487 (International Organizations).

International Relations (IR)

The study of political, economic and social interactions among states and other actors across national boundaries.

International Organizations (IO)

Formal institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, that structure cooperation and governance in the international system.

Realism / Neorealism

IR theory that views states as the only relevant actors operating in an anarchic, self-help system where security and relative power gains are paramount.

Anarchy (in IR)

The absence of a supranational authority above states, creating a self-help environment in world politics.

Self-Help System

Realist notion that states must rely on their own capabilities for survival and security.

Relative Gains

Realist focus on how much more or less one state benefits compared to others in any interaction.

Liberalism

IR theory emphasizing multiple actors, the mitigating role of institutions and interdependence, the possibility of changing interests, and pursuit of absolute gains.

Neoliberal Institutionalism

Liberal variant stressing how international institutions facilitate cooperation even in an anarchic system.

Absolute Gains

Liberal concern with the total benefits a state receives, regardless of others’ gains.

Interdependence

Mutual economic and political reliance among states that can reduce conflict and foster cooperation.

Constructivism

Social theory of IR arguing that international realities, interests and identities are socially constructed through interaction and shared knowledge.

“Anarchy is what states make of it”

Wendt’s constructivist claim that the meaning of anarchy depends on state practices and shared ideas.

Social Structures (Constructivism)

Shared norms, ideas and identities that shape and are shaped by state behavior.

The English School

IR approach viewing the world as a society of states bound by common institutions, norms and a shared interest in maintaining order.

Fundamental Institutions

Core practices such as diplomacy, balance of power and international law that sustain the English School’s international society.

Global Civil Society

Networks of non-state actors (NGOs, advocacy groups, individuals) that influence global norms and governance.

Critical Political Economy (Marxism)

Approach analyzing historical change through material economic forces, class relations and the linkage of politics, economics and culture.

Base and Superstructure

Marxist concept where economic relations (base) shape political, legal and ideological institutions (superstructure).

Neo-Marxism

Updated Marxist perspective focusing on relations of exchange, trade patterns and ideology in the global economy.

Relations of Production

Marxist term for social relationships governing the ownership and control of the means of production.

Relations of Exchange

Neo-Marxist focus on how trade and market interactions reproduce global inequalities.

Post-Structuralism

IR perspective skeptical of universal truths, emphasizing how power and knowledge interact and how discourses construct reality.

Metanarrative

Grand, overarching explanation or ‘truth’ that post-structuralists question for concealing power relations.

Deconstruction (Post-Structuralism)

Analytical method of unpacking texts and discourses to reveal hidden power dynamics.

Mid-Level Theories of IGOs

Frameworks that analyze specific internal and external processes shaping international organizations.

Principal-Agent Model

Intra-organizational theory examining delegation problems between member states (principals) and IO bureaucracies (agents).

Organizational Culture

Shared values and norms within an IO that influence its decision-making and behavior.

Organizational Adaptation and Learning

Processes through which IOs adjust structures and policies based on experience and feedback.

Network Theory (IOs)

Inter-organizational approach analyzing how IOs interact through formal and informal networks to achieve goals.

Regime Theory

Study of implicit or explicit principles, norms and rules around which actors’ expectations converge in a given issue-area.

Intra-Organizational Processes

Internal dynamics—such as agency relationships and culture—affecting an IO’s performance.

Inter-Organizational Processes

Patterns of cooperation and competition among multiple IOs and other actors in the international arena.