international relations - chapter two notes

Page 1: Realist Perspective

  • Hegemone: Leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social groups over others.

  • Schlieffen Plan: Germany’s military strategy aimed at quickly defeating France before turning to fight Russia.

Key Concepts

  • Realism:

    • Focuses on power dynamics, security concerns, and the anarchic nature of the international system.

Alliances and Tensions

  • Two Hostile Alliances:

    • Triple Alliance: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

    • Triple Entente: Britain, France, and Russia.

  • Rigid alliances heightened tensions instead of preventing war.

  • Alliance commitments transformed a regional crisis into a global conflict once war began.

Decline of British Hegemony

  • Britain had been the hegemonic power in Europe, maintaining stability.

  • By the early 20th century, its dominance was on the decline.

  • The rise of Germany as a challenger created instability.

German Strategic Calculations (Preventive War)

  • Germany feared the rapid industrial and military growth of Russia.

  • Believed Russia would become too powerful to challenge.

  • Decided to act preemptively to maintain dominance.

Domestic Pressures for Expansion

  • Economic and political elites in Germany supported aggressive foreign policies.

  • Some believed that war would unify the country and suppress domestic unrest.

  • Austria-Hungary experienced similar nationalist expansionist pressures.

Page 2: Liberal Perspectives

Key Concepts

  • Liberalism: Highlights diplomatic failures, weak institutions, and miscommunication as key causes of war.

Diplomatic Missteps

  • Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany had erratic diplomatic policies, deviating from Bismarck's careful strategies.

  • German leaders misread British intentions, assuming neutrality.

  • Austro-Hungarian leaders misjudged Russia’s commitment to protecting Serbia.

Poor Crisis Management

  • Austria-Serbia ultimatum expected limited consequences; however, Russia mobilized in response.

  • Germany escalated the situation due to inadequate crisis management.

  • Lack of effective international institutions worsened the crisis.

Democratic Deficit and Weak Domestic Institutions

  • Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia were not fully democratic; leaders lacked accountability to populations.

  • Public opposition to war was frequently ignored; more democratic states hesitated but were drawn in due to alliances.

Economic Interdependence Failure

  • Classical liberal theory states that interdependence should prevent war; however, despite trade ties, war still occurred.

  • Suggests that economic ties do not guarantee peace without strong supporting institutions.

Page 3: Identity Perspective

Key Concepts

  • Identity Perspective: Focuses on the impact of nationalist movements, cultural beliefs, and ideological forces on foreign policy.

Nationalism as a Driving Force

  • Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip's assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered conflict.

  • Austria-Hungary responded with military action, perceiving it as an attack on sovereignty.

Rival Conceptualizations of National Identity

  • Pan-Slavism: Russia viewed itself as the protector of Slavic nations, including Serbia.

  • German Militarism: Promoted an aggressive, militaristic identity, leading to support for war.

  • French Revanchism: France sought revenge for its Franco-Prussian War losses, viewing war as a chance to reclaim Alsace-Lorraine.

Social Darwinism & the “Cult of the Offensive”

  • Military leaders believed war was necessary for national survival; the "cult of offensive" encouraged offensive military postures.

  • This contributed to rapid mobilization and escalation after conflict began.

Shared European Norms & War Culture

  • Europe had a romanticized view of war as a test of strength and underestimated modern warfare's destructiveness.

  • Ideological competition between monarchies and emerging nationalist movements intensified conflicts.

Page 4: Key Takeaways

  • Realism: Focus on power politics; failures in balance of power principles; security dilemmas.

  • Liberalism: Failures in diplomacy; lack of effective international institutions; leadership failures.

  • Identity: Nationalism; ideological competition; militaristic cultures.