IR Midterm

Flashcard 1: Q: Why are “theories” discussed in Chapter 4 of Lawson's work?
A: They address revolutions and challenges to the status quo, especially focusing on capitalism and the injustices it creates, as well as addressing global inequalities, climate change, and migration.

Flashcard 2: Q: What was Marx’s view on history?
A: Marx saw history as a struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (working class), predicting a revolution leading to a “dictatorship of the proletariat” and the eventual disappearance of the state.

Flashcard 3: Q: What was the problem with Marx’s prediction?
A: Marx failed to address how centuries of oppression and violence would lead to a peaceful society, and his utopian vision lacked practical application.

Flashcard 4: Q: What role did Lenin play in Marxist theory?
A: Lenin argued that the working class would not organize itself, so a revolutionary party was needed to lead the way to socialism. This led to violence in the Russian Revolution, which Marx likely did not foresee.

Flashcard 5: Q: What is Lawson’s view on the “natural order” in society?
A: Lawson argues that there is no natural order of things, making critical theories important for those seeking to challenge or modify capitalism and the existing state system.

Flashcard 6: Q: What is World-System Theory according to Immanuel Wallerstein?
A: It’s a social system with boundaries, structures, groups, rules, and conflicts that hold the system together through tension as groups try to reshape it for their advantage.

Flashcard 7: Q: What is Antonio Gramsci known for in his post-Marxist thought?
A: Gramsci argued that the ruling class creates a “cultural hegemony” that shapes people's beliefs through social institutions, making these ideas seem "natural."

Flashcard 8: Q: What is Constructivist theory?
A: Constructivist theory suggests that reality is socially constructed through interactions and inter-subjectivity, meaning people’s relationships and ideas shape reality, and change is possible over time.

Flashcard 9: Q: How does feminism and gender theory fit into Lawson’s discussion?
A: Lawson focuses on identity politics, sexual violence in conflict, and the changing concepts of gender and sexuality, recognizing them as social constructs that influence power dynamics.

Flashcard 10: Q: What is “cosmopolitan pluralism” according to Lawson?
A: It combines cosmopolitanism (universalism) with the recognition that people belong to specific communities, creating a more fruitful approach to global international relations (IR) theory.

Flashcard 11: Q: What is Anatol Lieven’s critique of liberal internationalism?
A: Lieven argues that liberal internationalism “died in the ruins of Gaza and Beirut,” pointing out the failure of Western leaders to uphold ethical standards, particularly regarding U.S. support for Israel.

Flashcard 12: Q: How does Lieven describe the Trump administration’s approach to liberal internationalism?
A: He believes Trump uses liberal internationalism rhetorically to overthrow rival regimes and weaken other states, but without genuine commitment to international cooperation.

Flashcard 13: Q: What does Lieven suggest about the role of the U.S. in global politics?
A: Lieven calls for cooperation among powerful states to address global issues like climate change, nuclear arms, and AI in military use, as opposed to the U.S. pursuing global dominance.

Flashcard 14: Q: What is Lieven’s take on U.S. foreign policy and “exceptionalism”?
A: He criticizes U.S. moral arrogance and exceptionalism, arguing that peace cannot be achieved by converting all countries to democracy, but through mutual understanding and trust among diverse states.

Flashcard 15: Q: How does Lieven view the U.S. pursuit of global democracy?
A: He questions whether U.S. global primacy is compatible with a healthy democracy at home, especially given the U.S.'s own domestic issues with democracy.