POL109 Final Exam Fall 2024

Who is Thucydides

Who is Thucydides

An ancient Greek historian (460–400 BCE) known for writing The History of the Peloponnesian War, a detailed account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta, emphasizing rational analysis and human behavior over divine intervention.

What was Thucydides explanation for the Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War?

The Peloponnesian War was fundamentally caused by the rising power of Athens and the resulting fear it instilled in Sparta, which led to an unavoidable conflict. This explanation reflects his broader theory about the nature of power and human behavior: dominant powers seek to expand, and rival powers often respond with hostility to protect their position.

Why did the Corinthian get angry at Spartans?

The Corinthians accused the Spartans of being passive and slow to act against Athens' growing power during the Persian War, especially during disputes involving Corinth's allies, like Corcyra, which heightened tensions before the Peloponnesian War

Why did King Archidamus vote against war?

He believed that Sparta lacked the necessary resources, particularly a strong navy and sufficient finances, to sustain a prolonged conflict. He emphasized that Athens' power, especially its naval dominance and wealth, required careful preparation and strategic alliances before engaging in war.

How did Sthenelaidas feel?

He was deeply angered by Athens because he believed they were abusing their power, violating the terms of the Thirty Years' Peace, and threatening the balance of power in Greece. His anger was fueled by Athens’ actions, such as interfering with Spartan allies like Corinth and Corcyra, as well as its aggressive expansion and dominance in the Delian League.

What is Taras Kuzio’s argument for why Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022

imperial nationalism – re-establish Russian Empire by bringing together all Russians outside the border (Ukraine, Slavic Lands)

How does Kuzio support his argument?

His references mainly string from Russian journalists/political figures that align with Putin, arguing that Ukraine is a Nazi state where the culture is illegitimate and that it belongs with Russia

Imperial Nationalism

A dominant nation promotes unity and pride by expanding its influence or control over other regions, often justifying empire-building as a national duty or destiny

What is John Mearsheimer’s argument for why Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022?

USA pushing NATO close to Russia’s Borders (2008 – Ukraine and Georgia to be added)

How does Mearsheimer support his argument?

Uses direct evidence from what Putin said (public record). Not just Putin arguing about NATO

What does Thucydides tell us about the civil war that occurred in Ancient Corcyra in 427 BCE and civil war in general?

-          Civil wars are very violent and show the worst sides of humanity

-          Overturning of social hierarchies (Corcycaeran people siding with Athenians)

-          Can spread to different states

-          Civil disorder

-          Foreign states can get involved

What does Christopher Philips tell us about the international nature of the Syrian Civil War?

Syrian war influenced by foreign states (ex. Turkey, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, US…etc)

-          Is a proxy war (instigated by major power, but doesn’t get itself involved)

-          Struggle of power in the Middle East

-          Syria’s location made it vulnerable

Do “grievances” best explain why the Syrian Civil War occurred? 

• Syria has had a history of being an authoritarian state, making it difficult for civilians to state their opinions or have a freedom of choice within the government

• Government: did not give Syrian civilians basic rights and freedom of speech

• Government gross mismanagement of the economy, especially agriculture led to widespread rural unemployment and food insecurity

• Teenagers protested: can be connected to the unemployment rates in this age group

Does “greed and ambition” best explain why the Syrian Civil War occurred?

• The reason why Iran participated in the Syrian war in defence of the government:

• Maintain a friendly land bridge linking Iran to the Mediterranean Sea to facilitate access to global markets 

• Establish a presence on Israel’s northern border to provide a staging ground for either offensive or defensive military actions

Civilian Victimization

The intentional killing of noncombatants

How does Henry Stimson justify the Hiroshima Bombing?

US initially Offered Japan to surrender

It is the least bad solution (fire raid of B-20s could have been done instead); the forced surrender of the Japan Empire will be beneficial to American and Japanese Citizens

Who was Aristotle?

An ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, a student of Plato and teacher to Alexander the Great. He made significant contributions to numerous fields, including philosophy, biology, ethics, and politics

What does Aristotle say about tyranny?

A corrupt version of monarchy, where a ruler seeks personal gain at the expense of the common good. He argues that in a just society, the natural order involves rulers governing for the benefit of all, maintaining balance in relationships. Tyranny disrupts this natural order, using oppressive power to control subjects and undermining essential values like leisure, commerce, and mutual respect in friendships

What specific strategies can political leaders use to repress their people?

-          Monarchies connect with each other, creating communities of their own, but does not give citizens freedom of speech (partial freedoms)

-          Spyware (track personal information, location) - lack of privacy for citizens

Propaganda and examples

Statistic information that is conveyed to an audience in a biased and misleading way in order to promote a viewpoint. There are three parts to it

-          A lie (Greece lied about their state of economy in order to get into Eurozone to change their currency to Euros)

-          Spin: some truth sprinkled with some exaggerated false information (Tanzanian Leader Julius Nyerere ruled his country for 21 years because of uncontested, one-party elections- fake elections to prove that they are democratic)

-          Concealment: a statement based on the withholding of true information (Bush Administration – concealed information about how Osama did not want an alliance with Saddam Hussein)

Who was Plato?

An ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates, and teacher of Aristotle. He founded the Academy in Athens and is known for his works on philosophy, ethics, politics, and metaphysics, particularly through dialogues like The Republic

What did Plato say about censorship and Propaganda?

He supported censorship and the use of propaganda to maintain social order. He believed that controlling the narratives in education and the arts could protect citizens from harmful influences, ensuring that they upheld virtues and the common good

Why did Socrates say not to fear death in The Republic?

It is either a peaceful sleep or a transition to another realm where the soul can continue its pursuit of truth. He believed that a virtuous life prepares the soul for whatever comes after death.

What is Plato’s "‘noble lie”?

A way to preserve social order and unity in his ideal society. He argues that for a society to function harmoniously, people must accept their roles and responsibilities without resentment or disruption.

What are human rights?

Fundamental freedoms and protections that every person is entitled to, regardless of nationality, race, gender, or other status. These rights include the right to life, liberty, equality, and dignity, as well as freedoms such as speech, assembly, and protection from discrimination and abuse.

UN Human Rights System

A framework to promote and protect human rights worldwide. It includes key mechanisms such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, human rights treaties, the Human Rights Council, and various committees and special rapporteurs that monitor and address human rights violations globally

The International Human Rights Movement

A global effort to promote and protect the basic rights and freedoms of individuals. It advocates for the recognition of human rights through international treaties, organizations like the UN, and grassroots activism, aiming to combat injustice, discrimination, and abuses worldwide.

What strategies does the Global Human Rights System use to pressure states to comply with international human rights laws?

-          Encouraging protesters to take action against the government

-          “Naming and shaming” – tarnishing political leader’s reputation

-          DOES NOT work for states such as Russia, China and North Korea

According to Aryeh Neier, what explains the emergence of the International Human Rights Movement? 

-          Events that sparked moral outrage (ex. impeachment of Richard Nixon, Democracy wall in China)

-          Developments in communications technology

-          Changes in the relationships between western journalists and western governments

What is the International Criminal Court?

A permanent tribunal established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. It seeks to ensure accountability for the most serious international crimes and provides a forum for justice when national courts are unable or unwilling to act

What are the historical origins of the ICC?

15^th century: ad-hoc established for specific wars by victors of the war

19^th century – Moynier Proposal: He lost faith in that public opinion would help prevent war crimes, and he lost faith in states as they were not willing to make legislation that was consistent with the 1864 Geneva Convention

-          Evolution of International Law in Hague Convention (1899 and 1907)

-          Treaty of Versailles (1919) to try German leaders for war crimes

-          Nuremburg Trials in 1945

-          UN’s establishment of the International Commission of Law in 1947

-          1993-94 tribunals to prosecute war criminals in former Yugoslavia and Rwanda

1990s: pressure from NGOs

Is the ICC an effective institution?

Punishment:

-          1o individuals convicted. But it is hard to determine if it is a lot or too little. We do not know how many war criminals are out there.

-          Thousands of cases are brought to the ICC, only few have conducted investigations and even fewer convicted

Deterrence:

-          Proper effects and deters successfully

-          War criminals fear the ICC as it is a permanent institution

-          Amount of deaths from conflicts remain the same before and after the creation of the ICC. But Middle East has significantly more wars after ICC.

Is the ICC a racist institution?

Focuses on African cases, where there are other cases from 139 countries submitted to the ICC.

-          As well, starting from 2012, the number of deaths from conflict in the Middle East rise.

-          This could be from lack of state cooperation for the ICC to act. So the problem could be that the ICC does not have enough power to deal with Non-African states.

-          African states cooperated better because the ICC retained independence from the UN Security council, a greater power. But over the years they have grown compliant to them

-          Many African states are member states (Rome Statute)

-          Referred by countries themselves

-          Referred by UN security council

-          Weak Judicial systems in Africa

What is a state?

A political entity with defined borders, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. It holds sovereignty, meaning it has the ultimate authority within its territory

Why are states important to analyze?

-          They are everywhere

-          They are powerful and have a lot of resources

-          They are relatively new

What are some ways in which the state protects and promotes human rights?

-          Our freedoms are protecting

-          Without the state, laws are meaningless, and human rights regulations are merely pieces of paper

-          Those who violate human rights would go unpunished

What are the main arguments against the state as a protector and promoter of human rights?

-          Destructive…

-          Lack of rights for Indigenous peoples in Canada

-          Governments can easily be replaced when revolution occurs

-          These revolutions are ran by people who are willing to destroy and kill for their ideals

-          They are insecure and build their own states to fend off potential enemies

According to the Kurds, what does “stateless democracy” look like in practice?

-          The more democracy, the less state

-          Communities make decisions, with a council being formed at the provincial, regional and national level to represent these communities

-          Involve citizens in the decision-making process by creating a citizens assembly