International studies test 2

General IR Theory Flashcards

Q: How does Realism view anarchy?
A: As a self-help system leading to power competition.

Q: How does Liberalism view anarchy?
A: It exists but can be mitigated through institutions and cooperation.

Q: How does Neoliberalism view anarchy?
A: Anarchy exists, but cooperation is possible through institutions.

Q: How does Constructivism view anarchy?
A: Anarchy is what states make of it—socially constructed.

Q: What kind of actors does Realism assume?
A: Unitary, rational states.

Q: What kind of actors does Constructivism assume?
A: Social beings with identities and interests shaped by interaction.

Q: What does “Neo” mean in Neorealism and Neoliberalism?
A: Emphasis on structure, scientific modeling, and positivism.

Liberalism Flashcards

Q: What are the three dynamics in the liberal peace theory?
A: Democracy, economic interdependence, and international institutions.

Q: Why does democracy reduce conflict?
A: Transparency and accountability reduce chances of war.

Q: Why does economic interdependence reduce conflict?
A: War becomes too costly due to economic ties.

Q: Why do institutions reduce conflict?
A: They facilitate cooperation and reduce uncertainty.

Q: What’s the difference between dyadic and monadic peace theory?
A: Dyadic: Democracies don’t fight each other; Monadic: Democracies are generally more peaceful.

Q: Who is the key philosopher behind Liberal IR theory?
A: Immanuel Kant.

Neoliberalism Flashcards

Q: Why are institutions important in Neoliberalism?
A: They promote cooperation by reducing uncertainty and enabling enforcement.

Q: What’s the difference between formal and informal institutions?
A: Formal: Written rules (e.g., treaties); Informal: Norms and practices.

Q: What is the Prisoner’s Dilemma and why is it important?
A: It models how rational actors might fail to cooperate without institutions.

Q: How is Neoliberalism different from Classical Liberalism?
A: Neoliberalism focuses on systemic structure and institutional effects, less on domestic politics.

Q: What are two historical trends supporting Neoliberalism?
A: Growth of institutions post-WWII; rise in global interdependence.

Q: What are the three institutional factors emphasized by Neoliberals?
A: Transparency, repeated interactions, issue linkage.

Q: What is Fukuyama’s "End of History" thesis?
A: Liberal democracy is the final ideological form of government.

Constructivism / Wendt Flashcards

Q: What is a social construct?
A: A concept that exists because people collectively believe in it (e.g., money, chairs).

Q: How are institutions viewed in Constructivism vs. Neoliberalism?
A: Constructivism: Institutions are shared ideas; Neoliberalism: Institutions are rule-based organizations.

Q: What shapes state interests in Constructivism?
A: Identity and norms formed through social interaction.

Q: What are the four features of Constructivism?
A: Social Being, Mutual Construction, Social Facts, Social Cognition.

Q: What does Wendt mean by “Anarchy is what states make of it”?
A: Anarchy doesn’t cause conflict by itself; it’s defined by shared meanings and practices.

Q: What does ‘mutually constitutive’ mean?
A: States and the system shape each other over time.

Q: How does Wendt think states can escape the state of nature?
A: Through shared norms, identities, and social interaction that foster peace.