GOV 322 Paradigms

Realism

Theory viewing politics as competition among states

Key actors in Realism

States primarily involved in international relations

Dominant human drives in Realism

Fear and desire to dominate others

Actor's primary goals in Realism

Power or security through competition

Dominant processes of interaction in Realism

Competition among states for power

Dominant structural feature of Realism

Hobbesian anarchy without centralized authority

Dominant bodies of theory in Realism

Balance-of-power theory and hegemonic transition

Key actors in Liberalism

States and nonstate actors in global affairs

Dominant human drives in Liberalism

Fear and desire for welfare and justice

Actor's primary goals in Liberalism

Welfare, justice, and security for individuals

Actor's dominant instruments in Liberalism

Military power, trade, investment, negotiation

Dominant processes of interaction in Liberalism

Competition and cooperation among actors

Dominant structural feature of Liberalism

Non-Hobbesian anarchy promoting cooperation

Dominant bodies of theory in Liberalism

Neoliberal constitutionalism and Democratic Peace

Marxism

Theory emphasizing class struggle and economic inequality

Key actors in Marxism

Economic classes: bourgeoisie and proletariat

Dominant human drives in Marxism

Greed driving capital-owners and workers

Actor's primary goals in Marxism

Wealth for capital-owners, fair wages for workers

Actor's dominant instruments in Marxism

Exploitation of labor for profit maximization

Dominant processes of interaction in Marxism

Class struggle influencing international relations

Dominant structural feature of Marxism

Economic inequalities shaping global interactions

Dominant bodies of theory in Marxism

Dependency theory and theories of revolution

Constructivism

Theory focusing on social construction of reality

Key actors in Constructivism

States and nonstate actors in social contexts

Dominant human drives in Constructivism

Need for orderly, meaningful social life

Actor's primary goals in Constructivism

Interests shaped through social interaction

Actor's dominant instruments in Constructivism

Social constraints like laws and norms

Dominant processes of interaction in Constructivism

Identity and interests evolve through interaction

Dominant structural feature of Constructivism

Dependence on historical period and context

Dominant bodies of theory in Constructivism

Structuration and theories of norm evolution

Selfishness

Hinders genuine cooperation among states

National Interest

Guides state actions for maintenance or expansion

Zero Sum Game

One nation's gain equals another's loss

Security Dilemma

One state's security efforts threaten others' security

Arms Race

Competition between states to build military strength

Liberalism

Theory rejecting power politics for cooperation and mutual benefits

Anarchic Relations

No regulating force among nations exists

Balance of Power

Alliances of equals to maintain peace

International Organizations

Entities aimed at reducing conflict and promoting cooperation

Democratic Peace Theory

Democracies rarely engage in conflict with each other

Global Interdependence

Actions in one state affect others globally

Free-Market Capitalism

Economic system favored by neoliberalism

Normative Constraints

Moral guidelines influencing state behavior

Institutional Constraints

Rules and structures limiting state actions

Self-Perpetuating Cycle

Continuous cycle of behavior reinforcing itself

Kantian Assumptions

Democracies will refrain from using force against other democracies; economically important trades create incentives and maintain peace; IO can constrain decision-makers by positively promoting peace

Economic Openness

Increased trade and economic links promote peace

International Law

Legal frameworks governing state interactions

Intergovernmental Organizations

Groups formed by multiple governments for cooperation

Economic Incentives

Promote peace and cooperation among states

Democracy

Governance through negotiation and compromise

Autocracy

Governance through threat and force

Economic Interdependence

Mutual reliance among states for economic benefits

International Institutions

Facilitate cooperation and collective outcomes globally

Zero-Sum Game

One state's gain equals another's loss.

Hegemony

Dominance of one state over others.

Barriers to Cooperation

Lack of information and cheating concerns hinder collaboration.

Absolute Gains

States cooperate to maximize their own benefits.

Mutual Benefits Game

Cooperation leads to shared advantages among states.

Freerider Problem

Natural inclination complicates genuine cooperation

Post-War Hegemonic Stability

US dominance after WWII shaped global order.

Fear and Paranoia

Realist view of state behavior in anarchy.

Neoliberalism

Modified liberalism favoring free-market capitalism.

Anarchy

Absence of a common central power/governing authority in international relations.

Neorealism

Focus on power distribution as key to international relations.

Collective Outcomes

Results achieved through cooperation among states.

Mutual Benefit

Cooperation yielding advantages for multiple actors.

Effective International Law

Regulations fostering peace and cooperation.

Democratic Institutions

Structures supporting democracy at national and global levels.

Negotiation and Compromise

Democratic methods for conflict resolution.

Threat and Force

Autocratic methods for conflict resolution.

Self-Defense Level Arms

Limiting arms to necessary defense capabilities.

Public Accountability

Democratic leaders answerable to citizens.

Repressive Governance

Autocratic leaders suppressing dissent.

Perpetual Survival Cycle

Ongoing insecurity leading to arms buildup.