Introduction to International Relations

Instructor: Mike Corelli

Focuses on theories and perspectives in international relations. Tools for understanding contemporary global events.

Seminar Question

Discussing the importance of perspectives in interpreting international relations. Aim: Develop lifelong analytical skills.

Purpose of Theoretical Frameworks

International relations theories help make sense of complex phenomena. Distinction between descriptive observation and causal explanation. Theories guide analysis of international interactions, focusing on significant events.

Positivism vs. Post-Positivism

Positivism

• Belief in objective reality that can be measured.

• Emphasizes data collection and hypothesis testing.

• Dominant perspective in international relations.

Post-Positivism

• Skeptical of objective knowledge.

• All events subject to interpretation, influenced by personal bias.

• Recognizes power dynamics in knowledge production.

Major Theoretical Perspectives in International Relations

Realism

• States prioritize power to ensure survival, often viewing international relations as a zero-sum game.

• Military power is considered the most reliable form of influence, leading to an arms race and security dilemmas among states.

• Cooperation is rare, with states focusing on self-help and their national interests. Realists emphasize that international law and organizations often merely reflect the power dynamics at play rather than constraining state behavior.

• Historical roots trace back to Machiavelli and Hobbes, noting that human nature is inherently competitive and self-serving.

Liberalism

• States are interlinked through economic and social ties. Liberal theorists argue that dependency on trade and mutual economic interests creates incentives for peace.

• Advocates for international cooperation over military conflict, insisting that collective security agreements and international organizations can help mitigate conflicts.

• Proponents of institutions that foster interdependence, such as the United Nations and World Trade Organization, which are essential for promoting peace and stability.

• Emphasizes the importance of ethical principles in foreign policy, suggesting that democracy and human rights should take precedence in international relations.

Constructivism

• Focus on how identities and interests are socially constructed, arguing that perceptions and social interactions shape state behavior.

• Institutions and norms play a crucial role in shaping international relations, guiding states through established rules and behaviors.

• Emphasizes the importance of processes in defining state behavior, including diplomacy and negotiations which reflect changing identities and interests.

• Constructivists argue that the essence of international relations is not merely the material capabilities of states but also the shared understandings and collective beliefs that drive actions in the international sphere.

Levels of Analysis in International Relations

System Level Analysis

• Examines how international systems impact state behavior.

• Accounts for the distribution of power among states.

State Level Analysis

• Analyzes how a state's characteristics influence foreign policy.

• Includes cultural, economic, and historical context.

Organizational Level Analysis

• Focuses on how organizations influence state behavior.

• Pluralist theory suggests organizations are pivotal in policy formation.

Individual Level Analysis

• Considers the impact of individual leaders on foreign policy.

Importance of Theoretical Approaches

• Different theories yield different foreign policy conclusions.

• Theories must adapt to changing global conditions and historical relevance.

• No single theory perfectly explains all international phenomena.

Conclusion

• Need for diverse theoretical perspectives to analyze international relations.

• Acknowledgment of the limitations of each theory while leveraging their strengths.

• Ongoing relevance of realism, liberalism, and constructivism, alongside critiques from feminism and Marxism.