5. theories of international relations

what are 3 theories of international relations?

constructivism

realism

idealism

what are the characteristics of realism?

states are the only actors

morality and ethics are irrelevant

self-reliance

what is power?

the ability to influence others

describe idealism

power is not the only thing that matters

states have common interests and values

trade = key common interest

interdependence

international system is based on laws, not anarchy

describe conservationism

Nation-states are not all alike

states have identity and influences the way states interact with each other

what shapes foreign policy in constructivism?

politcal culture

form of government

history

domestic political trends

describe liberalism (neo-liberalism)

the nature of the international system is anarchy

why do liberalists critique realists?

for underestimating opportunities for cooperation under that system

what do nations do to preserve peace?

balence of power

ex. US vs. USSR during Cold War

how do realists view the international system

in a state of anarchy — they believe that there is no international entity that can sustain security, and instead is seen as a framework for studying the actions of other states

what is the key interest of realism?

survival (classical realism)

security (neo-realism)

what is “zero-sum”

a situation in which whatever is gained by one side is lost by the other

what are relative gains?

the comparative benefit or power a state has over another, rather than the total, or absolute gains, it receives

in realism, why is power the only thing that matters

its in human nature, and also because of an anarchical world