POl 240 Emergence of IR in global politics, liberalism and Realism

Weeks 1-4

How do Liberals view globalization?

They see globalization as the progressive transformation of world politics, emphasizing economic, technological, and communicative revolution, with states being only one among many important actors

How do realists view globalization?

Realists argue globalization does not greatly alter world politics; powerful states retain sovereignty and continue to compete for power

How do Marxists interpret globalization?

They view globalization as western-led capitalist phenomenon that furthers neoliberal capitalism and perpetuates inequality through core-periphery structure

How do post-structuralists understand globalization?

They see globalization as a discourse, not a material reality, produced and sustained by power relations and accepted truth 

what is postcolonial and decolonize perspective on globalization

they highlight the persistence of colonial power structures, neocolonialism, and systemic inequality in a globalized world

How do feminist scholars analyze globalization

They study the gendered effects of globalization, seeing it as both an opportunity for women’s participation and a process that depends inequality, especially for women of colour

What does globalization refer to in world politics?

The widening, deepening, and acceleration of worldwide interconnectedness across economic, political, and cultural dimensions

What are the main ‘engines’ of globalization?

technological advances, economic expansion driven by capitalism, and political institutions and ideologies shaping global norms

What are the key effects of globalization on world governance?

it has increased interdependence, expanded global institutions like the UN and G20, and created challenges of accountability and systemic global risks

What is the peace of Westphalia and why is it significant?

Signed in 1648, it ended Europe’s wars of religion and established the principle of state sovereignty and non-intervention (though this is entirely a myth, Westphalia did not actually develop true state sovereignty)

What caused the ‘Great Divergence’ between the West and Asia?

Industrialization, imperialism, and the emergence of the rational states in Europe led to Western economic and political dominance over Asia

How did industrialization affect global politics?

it accelerated trade, connected economies, and created core-periphery dynamics where western powers dominated global production and finance

What was the global impact of imperialism?

Imperialism expanded European control, created unequal global economies, caused exploitation, and reinforced racial hierarchies through the ‘global colour line’

How did World War I and II transform global politics?

They caused the collapse of European empires, rise of the US and USSR as superpowers, and reshaped world order to bipolarity during the Cold War

What defined the Cold War?

An ideological, political, and military rivalry between the US and USSR involving nuclear deterrence, proxy wars, and global alliances

What was the outcome of decolonization after WWII?

Former colonies in Asia and Africa gained independence, ending formal imperialism but introducing new geopolitical tensions

What is liberal internationalism

The belief that international relations should follow rule of law and moral purposes like peace, prosperity, and civility among states

Who are the key thinkers of liberal internationalism"?

Immanuel Kant and Jeremy Bentham — advocating for peace through republican governance (power of government held by the republic - i.e. people), international law, and utilitarian cooperation

What was the purpose of the League of Nations?

Created after WWI to provide collective security and prevent war through international cooperation, though it ultimately failed

What challenges does liberal internationalism face today?

Erosion of U.S. hegemony, rise of multipolarity, nationalism, persistent inequality, and skepticism of liberal institutions

What are John Ikenberry’s phases of liberal internationalism?

1.0 League of nations; 2.0 post-1945 U.S.-led liberal order; 3.0- emerging global institutions less tied to U.S. dominance

What are the key principles of realism?

Statism, survival, self-help, and the belief that international politics is shaped by power and national interest under anarchy

How does realism view human nature?

As inherently self-interested and power-seeking; conflict is a natural outcome of international relations

What are the main types of realism?

classical realism (human nature), neorealism (structure of international system), and neoclassical realism (domestic and systemic factors)

What is the difference between defensive and offensive realism?

Defensive realism seeks security and balance, while offensive realism aims to maximize power an dominance

What is the realist perspective on globalization

Globalization does not diminish the state’s centrality; states remain key actors seeking survival in an anarchic system

What is the democratic peace thesis

Democratic peace thesis (brought forth by Frances Fukuyama), argues that mature democratic nations are less likely to go to war with one another