📚 SET 1 — Tasks + Levels of Analysis

What are the three tasks of IR scholars?

Describe, explain, and predict.

What does "describe" mean in IR?

To explain what is happening in international politics.

What does "explain" mean in IR?

To explain why something is happening in international politics.

What does "predict" mean in IR?

To use what we know to anticipate what may happen.

What is a dependent variable?

The outcome or result that we are trying to explain.

What is an independent variable?

A factor that helps explain or causes a change in the dependent variable.

What is the relationship between an independent and dependent variable?

The independent variable helps explain or affects the dependent variable.

What are levels of analysis?

Different ways of looking at international politics to help us ask questions and find the right evidence.

What are the three levels of analysis?

International system level, state (domestic) level, and individual level.

What does the international system level focus on?

The overall international system, especially the distribution of power.

What does the state (domestic) level focus on?

What is happening inside a state, such as its government and political system.

What does the individual level focus on?

Individuals, including their perceptions, choices, and activities.

What is a system?

A group of units or parts that regularly interact with one another.

What is the international system?

The system created by states and other actors interacting with one another.

What does the international system level help us study?

Systemic characteristics, such as the distribution of power.

What does the state level help us study?

Domestic factors and internal characteristics of states.

What does the individual level help us study?

Individual perceptions, choices, and activities.

If you study power distribution between countries, what level is it?

International system level.

If you study a country's type of government, what level is it?

State (domestic) level.

If you study a leader's choices and perceptions, what level is it?

Individual level.

What is the easiest way to remember the three levels?

International system = outside/between states; State = inside a country; Individual = the person.