International relations study guide glossary chapter 3

Anarchy

In international relations, anarchy means there is no central world government, forcing states to rely on themselves for security.

Balancing

Balancing is a strategy where states counter a powerful rival by forming alliances (external balancing) or building up their own military (internal balancing).

Collective security

This is a system where states agree that an attack on one is an attack on all, committing to collective action against aggression.

Complex interdependence

This concept suggests that extensive economic and social ties between states reduce the likelihood of conflict, as military force becomes less useful.

Constructivism

Constructivism argues that ideas, norms, and identity shape state behavior and the international system, emphasizing that anarchy is what states make of it.

Dependency theory

This theory explains the underdevelopment of Global South countries as a result of their historical economic exploitation by wealthier nations.

Discourse

Discourse refers to how language and shared understandings influence state perceptions, interactions, and policy choices in international relations.

External balancing

External balancing is when states form alliances with others to counter the power or threat of a dominant state.

Hypotheses

In international relations research, hypotheses are testable statements that propose explanations or relationships between phenomena.

Identity

A state's identity refers to its self-perception and how it views others, influencing its interests and foreign policy.

Internal balancing

Internal balancing is when a state increases its own military and economic strength to counter perceived threats or a powerful rival.

International institutions

These are formal or informal rules and organizations that govern state behavior and facilitate cooperation in the international system.

Liberalism

Liberalism in IR emphasizes cooperation, international law, democracy, and economic interdependence as pathways to peace and mutual gains.

Multinational corporations

These are private companies operating in multiple countries, influencing global economics and sometimes international politics.

National interest

A state's national interest includes its fundamental goals, such as security, economic prosperity, and preserving its sovereignty and values.

Neoliberal institutionalism

This theory explains how states cooperate under anarchy by using international institutions to reduce transaction costs and enforce agreements.

Neorealism

Neorealism argues that the anarchic structure of the international system, rather than state characteristics, primarily drives state behavior, leading to self-help and power balancing.

Norms

Norms are shared understandings of appropriate behavior for states within the international system.

Radicalism

Radicalism critiques global power structures, focusing on economic inequality, class conflict, and the exploitative nature of the international capitalist system.

Rational actors

The assumption that states or decision-makers make logical choices to maximize their self-interest and achieve their objectives.

Realism

Realism views states as primary actors in an anarchic system, pursuing power and acting in their own self-interest.

Relative gains

Realists emphasize relative gains, meaning states are concerned with how much more or less they benefit compared to others, which can hinder cooperation.

Security dilemma

In this dilemma, a state's efforts to increase its security are seen as threats by others, leading to an arms race and potential conflict, even if no aggression was intended.

Socialism

In IR, socialism informs radical theories, highlighting class struggle and economic equality to critique the capitalist global economy.

Theoretical perspective

This is a broad framework of assumptions and concepts for analyzing international phenomena and state behavior.

Theory

A theory