Introduction to I.O. studies -- Part 2: Jan 8

1. The International System and Anarchy

• Realism and Anarchy:

  • Realist School (Morgenthau, Carr, Waltz) introduced the concept of anarchy in international relations.

  • Anarchy ≠ Anarchism (no relation to radical left-wing ideology).

  • Anarchy = No higher authority to enforce rules or resolve conflicts between states.

  • States must fend for themselves (self-help system).

• Hobbes’ State of Nature:

  • Anarchy is akin to "every state against the other."

  • State sovereignty stops anarchy: States have internal hierarchy, institutions, and checks-and-balances.

  • Foreign authority within a state’s borders is a breach of sovereignty unless agreed upon.

• Security Dilemma:

  • States build military capabilities to protect themselves, but this leads to fear and arms races.

  • Example: State A arms itself → State B feels threatened → State B arms itself → Both are stronger but less secure.

2. Realist Terminology

• Balance of Power:

  • States form alliances to counter stronger states.

  • Shapes international politics and systems.

• Relative Gains:

  • States monitor allies to ensure they don’t become too powerful.

• Sphere of Influence:

  • Powerful states dominate surrounding regions (e.g., Monroe Doctrine in Latin America).

  • Revisionist states challenge the status quo.

• Hegemony:

  • A state leads in economy, military, and technology (e.g., the U.S. as the current hegemon).

3. Pre-IO Theories (1970s–1990s)

• Neo-Liberal Institutionalism:

  • States can cooperate despite anarchy through repeated successful interactions.

  • Focus on absolute gains (mutual benefit) vs. relative gains (self-interest).

• International Institutions (I.I.s) and Organizations (I.O.s):

  • Regimes: Agreements on specific issues (e.g., Nuclear Regime, GATT).

  • I.O.s: Autonomous organizations with bureaucratic hierarchies (e.g., UN, IMF).

  • Purpose: Facilitate collective action, transparency, and reduce transaction costs.

4. The Concert of Europe (1814–1914)

• Purpose:

  • Maintain balance of power among Great Powers (Britain, Prussia, Austro-Hungary, Russia, France).

  • Prevent another Napoleonic War and contain nationalism.

• Decision-Making Rules:

  • Great Powers must inform each other of decisions affecting mutual interests.

  • Veto power for Great Powers; smaller states can speak but not vote.

• Breakdown:

  • Nationalism (e.g., Italian and German unification) and declining empires (Austro-Hungary, Ottoman) led to its collapse.

• Comparison to UN Security Council:

  • Similar structure: Great Powers (P5) have veto power and shape international law.

5. International Organizations (I.O.s) and Constructivism

• Role of I.O.s:

  • Involved in humanitarian crises, development, human rights, environment, etc.

  • Examples: IMF, WHO, ICC.

• Bureaucracies:

  • I.O.s have autonomous bureaucracies that influence state policies.

  • Based on Max Weber’s theory: Bureaucracies shape norms and culture.

• Legitimacy:

  • I.O.s gain legitimacy through expertise and de-politicization of issues.

  • Example: WHO advisories influence domestic health policies.

• Dissemination of Knowledge:

  • I.O.s spread norms and ideas (e.g., Universal Declaration of Human Rights).

• International Law:

  • I.O.s can create binding laws (e.g., UN resolutions, World Bank loan conditions).

Key Concepts to Remember

1. Anarchy: No central authority in international relations; states act in self-interest.

2. Security Dilemma: Arms races due to mutual fear.

3. Balance of Power: Alliances to counter stronger states.

4. Hegemony: Dominance in economy, military, and technology.

5. Regimes vs. I.O.s: Regimes are issue-specific agreements; I.O.s are autonomous organizations.

6. Concert of Europe: Early attempt at collective security and balance of power.

7. Constructivism: I.O.s shape norms, culture, and international law.