Government 204: Frameworks, Paradigms, and Puzzles - Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key international relations theoretical paradigms, key thinkers, landmark publications, and core quotes from Government 204.

Competition (Hobbes)

The first cause of quarrel in human nature identified by Thomas Hobbes (1651), which drives people to invade for gain.

Diffidence (Hobbes)

The second cause of quarrel in human nature identified by Thomas Hobbes (1651), driven by fear and causing people to invade for safety.

Glory (Hobbes)

The third cause of quarrel in human nature identified by Thomas Hobbes (1651), causing people to invade for reputation.

Realism

An IR paradigm holding that an anarchic international system requires self-help, power is the key variable, states are the key actors, and international structure drives competition.

Classical Realism

A school of realist thought asserting that human nature drives international conflict.

Neorealism / Structural Realism

A school of realist thought asserting that the structure of the international system drives conflict.

Liberalism

An IR paradigm asserting that cooperation is possible even under anarchy, domestic characteristics and institutions shape cooperation, and states and IOs are key actors.

Classical Liberalism

A school of liberal thought asserting that human nature drives cooperation.

Neoliberal Institutionalism

A branch of liberalism asserting that international institutions create opportunities for states to cooperate in their self-interest.

Constructivism

An IR paradigm holding that the international system is socially constructed, where ideas, norms, and identities shape interests, and shared meanings guide social actors.

Feminism (IR)

An IR paradigm emphasizing that gender and gendered power relations structure international politics, focusing on individuals, states, and social actors beyond traditional elite perspectives.

Marxism (IR)

An IR paradigm viewing international politics as embedded in global capitalism, where class and economic relations create inequality, exploitation, and conflict.