Lesson 5

Theory

Theory

It is defined as “systematic reflection on phenomena, designed to explain them and to show how they are related in a meaningful, intelligent pattern instead of being merely random items in an incoherent universe

It is also defined as “a way of making the world or some part of it more intelligible or better understood” by going “beyond mere description of the phenomenon observed and engaging in causal explanation or prediction based on certain prior occurrences or conditions”

Ontology and Epistemology

Basic Assumption in International Relations

Ontology

The world is knowable and comprehensible via sense perception and analysis

Epistemology

We can discern patterns in past and ongoing occurrences; we can utilize our observations and make predictions about the future

Positivism

Objective reality that is relatively obvious and can be accurately known and measure

Post-positivism

Skeptical that there is any knowledge which is objective. All events are subject to interpretation and bias

Anarchy, Statism, Survival, and Self-Help

Basic assumptions of Realism

Realism

The implication of this theory worldwide:

• Competition and conflict and the inherent dimension of international relations

• State leaders cannot be tightly bound by ethical constraints in international relations

Classical realist

• Roof conflictual and competitive nature of international system in “human nature”

• Uncertainty drives fear, suspicion, distrust, etc.

• This is how humans behave under conditions of anarchy

  • Draw upon assumptions of Hobbes and Machiavelli

Neorealist

• Argue that it is not “human nature” but the structure of the international system that makes it conflictual

• Amidst conditions of uncertainty and anarchy, it is perfectly rational for states to at in order to maximize their power

• Certain configurations of the power will produce different results in terms of stability and state interaction

Polarity

International relation, polarity refers to the distribution of power among states in the global system

Unipolarity

Occurs when there is a single dominant or superpower in the international system. This superpower possesses significantly more military, economic, and political influence than any other state or group of states.

Bipolarity

Occurs when two powers or blocs of states dominate the international system, often engaging in rivalry and competition for influence and control

Multipolarity

There are multiple significant powers in the international system, and no single state or group of states can exert predominant influence

Progress/Change, Non-Uniformity of state, Cooperation, and Institutions

Basic assumptions of Liberalism

Liberalism

The implication of this theory are:

• Predictability and cooperation can be gained in international relations through repeated political and economic interaction— leads to creation of interdependence”

• Can replicate structure of law and create “global governance” (regulation and coordination of transnational issues areas by states, international regimes) even in the absence of global government

• States who defy global community and isolate themselves from international interaction are threats to international peace and cooperation

Classical liberalism

• Rooted in the values and ideals of the Enlightenment

• International politics should foster free trade and enhance global commerce which creates interdependence

Structural Neoliberalism

• More of a positivist scientific theory - must separate between facts and values

• Global commerce and democratic political systems create incentives for cooperation and stability, but it is not automatic

Totality, Materialism, and Class Conflict

Basic assumptions of Marxism

Marxist

Implication of this theory are:

• Material conditions drive outcomes at the international level

• like a domestic economy, global politics has “classes” and relations of inequality which lock states into system of structural conflict

• In these relations, poorer states/regions are at a systematic disadvantage. They will be systematically exploited by wealthy states

Social construction, Institutions, and Ideal power

Basic assumptions of Constructivism

Constructivism

Implication worldwide of this theory:

• It questions “how does change occur?”

• “Why us there not Constant Change”

• Suggests that the identity and self-understanding of key international actors such as states and organizations is what drives how they behave

Gender as “Social construction” , “Gendered” assumptions/actions shape behavior, and “Where are the women?”

Basic Assumptions of Feminism

International System

The environment in which states and other global actors interact, the institutions and rile which guide and shape the interation, and the outcomes which this interaction produces

Peace of Westphalia

Peace agreement to bring an end of a series of a decades-long religious wars that had torn Europe apart from the 14th-17th centuries

The Cold war

Two major global powers that emerge after WWII are the US and the Soviet Union

Actors

International relations can be likened to a series of actions that promote interactions between states. Actors are objects that participate in or promote IR.

State leaders and Bureaucratic organizations

Types of State Actors

State leaders

• Head of the government or the head of the state or both

• The most powerful political figure

• The key individual actors in IR, regardless of whether these leaders are democratically elected or dictators

Non-State Actors

Individuals or organizations that have powerful economic, political or social power and are able to influence at national and sometimes international level but do not belong to or allied themselves to any particular country or state.

Intergovernmental, Non-governmental organization, Multi-national Corporations, and Substate Actors

Types of Non-State Actors

Intergovernmental Organization

• Established by different states (national governemnt)

  • IGO usually organized by their membership with aims of achieving specific goal or purpose

Non-governmental Organization

• It is established by two or more individuals rather than by states (private).

• NGO are example of this organizationMNGOs are examples of this organization

Multi-national Corporations

Active across the state borders. Based in one states but have branches operating in other states

Substate actors or Terrorist

Actively involved in IR. They creates threats, violence, and terror for the entire community of nations