Recording-2025-02-03T17_42_08.122Z

Introduction to International Relations

• Instructor: Mike Corelli

• Purpose: To introduce students to theories and perspectives in international relations.

Seminar Question

• Engage with complex international events and understand the analytical frameworks available.

Importance of Theories in International Relations

• Theories help make sense of complex global events.

• Aim is to equip students with tools to interpret international relations over time.

• Emphasis on theory as a systematic reflection meant to explain and connect phenomena meaningfully.

Purpose of Theory

• Theory aids in understanding the dimensions of international interactions.

• Identifies key actors influencing events and outcomes.

• Enhances capability to analyze, predict, and act amidst uncertainties.

Positivism vs. Postpositivism

• Positivism: Claims objective reality exists; theories develop hypotheses tested through data.

• Postpositivism: Skeptical of objective knowledge; argues all events are subject to interpretation and bias.

Levels of Analysis in International Relations

1. System Level Analysis

   • Examines how the international system impacts nation-state behavior.

2. State Level Analysis

   • Investigates characteristics of a state that shape its foreign policy (cultural, economic, etc.).

3. Organizational Level Analysis

   • Focuses on how organizations influence a state's foreign policy decisions.

4. Individual Level Analysis

   • Evaluates how leaders' decisions reflect influences on foreign policy.

Major Theories of International Relations

• Realism

  • Focus on state power dynamics; self-preservation and military strength.

  • States act out of practical concerns to enhance power relative to others.

  • Realism holds a skeptical view of international organizations' influences.

• Liberalism (Idealism)

  • Emphasizes interdependence and cooperation among states.

  • Highlights economic power over military strength in achieving security.

  • Advocates for international institutions promoting peace and cooperation.

• Marxism

  • Views international relations as a struggle for economic resources and highlights class struggles.

  • Offers an alternative analysis to both realism and liberalism.

Constructivism

• Focuses on how actors' identities and interests are shaped through social interactions.

• Challenges established norms in international relations.

• Sees knowledge as constructed through human activity.

Rationalism and Constructivism in Political Science

• Rationalism

  • Emphasizes reason and strategic calculations in international behavior.

  • States and actors maximize their preferences within constraints.

• Constructivism

  • Views identities and interests as shaped through processes rather than pre-determined structures.

Challenges in International Relations Theory

• No single theory can comprehensively explain all international events; realities are complex.

• Theoretical perspectives evolve and adjust with changing global dynamics.

• Emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations and strengths of various theories.

Conclusion

• Encourage a humble and inquisitive approach to studying international relations.

• Recognize the value of drawing on multiple theoretical perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of world politics.