Week 1 - International Relations and European World History

Core Concepts of International Relations

The State as the Basic Player

  • Invention of the State: Originated in Mesopotamia around 3000 B.C., leading to social hierarchy, division of labor, and collective power over nature.

  • Types of States: Include cities, kingdoms, principalities, and empires.

  • Sovereignty: Refers to the internal and international power of a state.

  • Westphalian Order (1648): Establishes the concept of sovereign states.

  • Nation State (1789): Arises from the French Revolution, emphasizing self-determination and nationalism.

  • Current Landscape: There are 193 member states in the United Nations.

  • Example: Treaties of Westphalia in 1648.

Power Dynamics in International Relations

State Sovereignty and Power Levels

  • Equality Principle: States are sovereign and formally equal, though actual power dynamics show disparities.

  • Great Powers: Defined as states with significant military and economic influence, responsible for managing international order (Antony Best, etc.).

  • Types of Power:

    • Hard Power: Traditional forms of military and economic power.

    • Soft Power: Ability to attract and co-opt rather than coerce.

  • Geopolitics: Distinguishes between continental powers and sea powers.

Values and Ideologies

  • Conservatism (19th Century): Emphasizes monarchy, nobility, and Christian religion.

  • Liberalism (19th Century Onward): Advocates for democracy and free trade.

  • Nationalism/Fascism (19th Century): Focused on protecting and promoting national interests.

  • Socialism/Communism (20th Century): Emerged as a critique of capitalism.

The International System

Frameworks for Peace and Stability

  • Realistic Approach (Thucydides): Focus on balance of power, roles of great powers, and alliances.

  • Liberal Approach: Advocates for collective security, multilateralism, free trade, and democracy.

  • Economic Needs: The concept of hegemonic stability (historically UK until 1914, US since 1945).

International Systems Since the 19th Century

Vienna System (1814-1850)

  • Vienna Congress (1814-1815): Aims to set a new order for Europe with diverse countries represented.

  • Concert of Europe: Composed of Britain, Russia, Austria, Prussia, France (1818), and Italy (1861), establishing a balance of power through diplomacy.

  • Key Figures:

    • Alexander I and Nesselrode (Russia)

    • Castlereagh and Wellington (UK)

    • Metternich (Austria)

    • Talleyrand (France)

Transitioning Systems

From the Vienna to the Bismarck System

  • Key Wars: Included the Crimean War (1853-1856), unification of Italy (1859-1860), Austria/Prussia (1866), and the unification of Germany (1870-1871).

  • German Dominance: Established with the Bismarck System post-1871.

  • Alliances: Formation of the Triple Alliance vs. Triple Entente.

  • Enduring Values: Conservatism, nationalism, and liberalism influenced policies and alliances.

The Paris System and World Events

The Paris System (1919-1939)

  • World War I (1914-1918): Established French dominance and initiated the Paris system.

  • League of Nations: Aimed to embody liberal values through collective security and multilateralism.

  • Emerging Values: Included liberalism, communism, and fascism.

Cold War and Contemporary Systems

Cold War System (1947-1989)

  • United Nations Organization (1945): Established post-World War II to maintain international peace.

  • Superpowers: US and USSR emerged as leading powers.

  • Contesting Values: Capitalism vs. communism dominated the ideological landscape.

  • Hegemonic Stability: Reflected by the prominence of the US dollar.

The American System (Post-1991)

  • Unipolar Moment: Characterized by US dominance and hegemonic stability.

  • Liberalism and Multilateralism: Supported by institutions such as the UN, WTO, and European integration.

  • Balance of Power Concepts: The idea of Thucydides’ trap warns of potential conflict between the US and rising powers like China.

Current Challenges

  • US and China Relations: The balance of power is increasingly unstable due to territorial and ideological challenges.

Required and Optional Readings

  • Required Readings: Best, et al., International History (2014), Chapter 1.

  • Optional Readings:

    • Pierre Buhler, La puissance au XXIe siècle (2014)

    • Paul Kennedy, The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers (1987)

    • Henry Kissinger, Diplomacy (1994), Chapters 1-7, 31

    • Hans Morgenthau, Politics Among Nations (1948), Chapter 1

    • Jacques-Alain de Sédouy, Le concert européen. Aux origines de l’Europe 1814-1914 (2009)