VCE Politics - Unit 1 AOS 2: Theories & Perspectives

National Interest

NIs of a state are pursued to ensure the survival and potential growth of a state (goals and ambitions).

States implement policies and types of power to achieve these and maintain state sov.

Some are common, others vary and are contested.

What are the 4 main National Interests

Security, Economic Prosperity, Regional Relationships, Regional Standing (how you are seen)

Global Community

the idea that there is a community that extends to all people in all states around the world, united by a common sense of humanity.

Realism

idea that states do/should focus/prioritize on their own national interest. States only act if it is in their own security, economic, etc. interests. States are fundamentally self-interested. No obligation to the Global Community.

Cosmopolitanism

States balance their own NIs with an obligation to the global community. States act in ways that don’t always advance their NIs but do assist G.C.

Cosmopolitanism - Textbook Definition

the idea that all human beings are members of a single moral community that transcends national boundaries, leading to them prioritizing cooperation

Nationalism

refers to identifying with one’s own state and support for its interests, particularly to the exclusion or detriment of other states’ interests.

Ideology

refers to a set of interconnected ideas that are organized into a worldview or guiding philosophy. US and Aus are Democratic Capitalist. China is Authoritarian Communist. Shell is Profit Driven. UN is multilateral cooperation. Greenpeace is environmentalism.

Humanitarian Concerns

The active belief in the value of all human life and desire to help others to improve conditions for all. Core purpose of UN, and Greenpeace also has this perspective.