International Relations Theory

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms from the lecture on International Relations Theory, serving as a study aid for understanding the fundamental principles and historical context of global politics.

Four Pillars of IR

The primary drivers in International Relations analysis: Interests, Institutions, Ideas, and Identities.

Monopoly on Violence

The state's exclusive right to use or authorize physical force within its territory.

The Democratic Peace Theory

The theory suggesting that democracies do not go to war with one another.

American Exceptionalism

The belief that the U.S. has a unique role in the world, often justified by a perceived superiority.

Westphalian Sovereignty

The principle that each state's authority is respected and no outside power can intervene in internal affairs.

Cuius regio, eius religio

The principle that a state's ruler can determine its religion, symbolizing the emergence of state sovereignty.

Heterogeneous Contracting

Different sources of legitimacy employed by rulers for various regions within their rule.

Billiard Ball Model

The concept in IR that states are self-contained units that interact without considering internal political dynamics.

Kellogg-Briand Pact

A 1928 treaty aimed at renouncing war as a means of resolving disputes.

The 'Mean Girls' Theory of IR

The concept that rising powers emulate established powers' behaviors to fit into the category of 'Great Powers'.

Indivisibility

A situation in which an issue cannot be divided, often leading to conflict due to ideological reasons.

Anarchy in IR

The absence of a centralized governing authority over states, leading to a self-help system among them.

Soft Power

The ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion, often through culture and values.

Tripwire Strategy

A military strategy where limited forces are stationed to compel a state to react to an attack, thus signaling commitment.

Rational Actor Model

A model in which states are assumed to make decisions based on clear interests and preferences to maximize utility.

Power Over

Compulsory power where Actor A makes Actor B do something against their interests, achieved via coercion.

Structural Power

The influence of the structure of the international system on states, dictating the relationships between them.

Bargaining Model of War

A model explaining that war occurs due to private information, indivisibility of issues, or commitment problems.

Signaling Resolve

Actions taken by states to demonstrate their commitment to agreements, such as incurring sunk costs.

Hegemony vs. Dominance

Hegemony requires consent and legitimacy, while dominance relies on coercion and force.

The Long Telegram

A 1947 message by George Kennan that shaped U.S. foreign policy towards Soviet containment.