Marxist Theories

What do Marxists believe is the true source of power in IR?

the economy and access to the means of production

What are the 2 parts of Marxist analysis?

diagnosis of societal problems and ideological/revolutionary solutions

What is the base in Marxist theory?

the economic foundation of society, including labor and means of production

What is the superstructure in Marxist theory?

culture and political institutions that support and justify the economic base

Why don’t people resist unjust systems, according to Marx?

because the superstructure (schools, religion) normalize inequality

What are the 3 categories in Wallerstein’s World-Systems Theory?

core, semi-periphery, and periphery

What defines core countries in world-systems theory?

high tech production, research, and high profit industries

Why are periphery countries stuck economically?

they depend on exporting raw materials and lack access to technology

What is the goal of gulf countries like the UAE in global economics?

to move from periphery to core status through innovation and services

What is the main idea of dependency theory?

even post-colonial states remain economically dependent due to unequal production structures

How does the Frankfurt School view social institutions?

as tools that reinforce elite control and economic dominance

How does globalization reenforce economic inequality, according to Marxists?

through status-based consumption and cultural influence (ex. luxury goods)

How does constructivism and differ from Marxism and Realism?

it focuses on ideas, identity, and norms rather than material power

Why might states act against their own interests, according to constructivists?

because they believe it is the morally or socially right thing to do

What do Gramsci and Wallerstein argue about globalization?

that is spreads cultural norms that sustain economic inequality and consumption patterns