04 - International Society

Q: What does International Society theory reintroduce into IR?

Ethics and moral considerations in how states behave and interact.

Q: Where does International Society theory sit between major IR theories?

It occupies a middle ground between realism and liberalism.

Q: Who is the key thinker behind International Society theory?

Hedley Bull, originally a realist.

Q: What is the core argument of International Society theory?

IR is a society of mutually recognizing states, not just a system of competing powers.

Q: How does International Society view states?

As competitors, not enemies, capable of cooperation through shared norms and institutions.

Q: What does International Society emphasize alongside power?

Law, ethics, norms, and authority.

Q: What is authority in International Society?

The ability to exercise the power one possesses such that people listen. Power must be recognized as legitimate by citizens, states, and institutions to be effective.

Q: What levels of analysis does International Society incorporate?

Individual, domestic, and systemic levels.

Q: What does International Society prioritize over pure state interest?

Order in world politics and ethical considerations.

Q: What are the three traditions (3 Rs) in International Society?

Realism, Rationalism, and Revolutionism.

Q: What does the realist tradition emphasize?

States as power-seeking actors without moral constraints.

Q: What does the rationalist tradition emphasize?

States as legal actors following international law and diplomatic practices.

Q: What does the revolutionist tradition emphasize?

Individuals and humanity as central to IR, prioritizing human rights.

Q: What is the subject matter of IR according to International Society?

The global political system including states, institutions, and individuals.

Q: Why is historical understanding important in International Society?

History “whispers” patterns that shape current events and state behaviour.

Q: What is the International Society view on values?

IR is inherently normative; shared values are essential for cohesive order.

Q: How does International Society define an international system?

When states interact enough to affect each other’s decisions.

Q: How does International Society define an international society?

When states share rules, norms, and institutions guiding their relations.

Q: What is world society?

Shared global values linking humanity beyond states.

Q: What is pluralism?

A focus on state sovereignty where individuals only have the rights given to them by their state.

Q: What is solidarism?

A focus on individuals as the ultimate members of international society. Human rights take precedence over the rights of sovereign states.

Q: What are state–society relations?

The idea that a state’s power depends on its relationship with its population.

Q: What is commutative justice?

Reciprocity and fairness in procedures—states are treated as they treat others.

Q: What is distributive justice?

Fair distribution of goods and resources between states.

Q: What are the levels of justice in International Society?

Interstate (international) justice, individual (human) justice, and world justice.

Q: What is interstate (international) justice?

the moral rules which confer rights and duties upon states and nations.

Q: What is individual (human) justice?

the idea of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Q: What is world justice?

what is right for the world as a whole (global environmental standards).

Q: What is international order?

A stable pattern of activity preserving society of states, sovereignty, peace, and reciprocity.

Q: What are primary institutions in International Society?

Sovereignty, diplomacy, balance of power, and international law.

Q: What are secondary institutions?

Organizations like the UN.

Q: What is the role of the UN Security Council?

It issues legally binding resolutions; P5 members hold veto power.

Q: What is the role of the UN General Assembly?

It issues recommendations; each state has one vote.

Q: What is the UDHR?

A 1948 declaration establishing universal human rights standards.

Q: What is Responsibility to Protect (R2P)?

A doctrine allowing intervention when a state fails to protect its citizens.

Q: What are the three responsibilities under R2P?

Prevent, react, and rebuild.

Q: What is the Just Cause threshold for R2P?

Large-scale loss of life or ethnic cleansing.

Q: What are key operational principles of R2P?

Clear objectives, unity of command, proportionality, and coordination with humanitarian actors.

Q: Why is R2P difficult to implement?

Conflicting motives among states, lack of a UN army, and inconsistent adherence to humanitarian law.

Q: What is a major critique of International Society?

States rarely sacrifice interests for norms; evidence of norm-following is weak.

Q: Why does International Society struggle with domestic politics?

It cannot fully explain how internal pressures shape international change.

Q: Why does International Society struggle with economics?

It focuses on relationships and norms, not economic structures.

Q: Why does International Society struggle with non-state actors?

It cannot fully account for the transnational activities of individuals, firms, corporations, and social groups.