12.3.24

Introduction

  • Welcome back to the last week of class.

  • Today's agenda includes:

    • Announcements

    • Career services class visit

    • Review of bureaucracy content

    • Introduction to international politics

Announcements

  • Exam details: Scheduled for next Thursday, December 12, from 10 AM to 12 PM.

  • Last quiz must be completed. Accidental starts can be reset by the instructor.

  • Format for the final exam will mirror the first three exams and cover material from exam 3.

  • Participation grades will be posted following Thursday's class.

  • Excused absences will also be updated after Thursday's class.

Bureaucracy Review

  • Troubleshooting clicker issues; voting deferred to after career services visit.

Career Services Class Visit

  • Introduction to International Relations (PLS 160): Covers foreign affairs and state relations.

  • Topics include:

    • The role of states, NGOs, IGOs, multinational corporations, and the formulation of foreign policy.

    • Differences between international and domestic politics, and introduction to international law.

  • International relations can be categorized into two main areas:

    • Conflict studies: War, civil wars, etc.

    • Economic studies: International political economy and global trade dynamics.

Key Concepts in International Politics

  • Absence of Central Authority:

    • No single governing body that can enforce laws or decisions amongst states, leading to a state of anarchy.

    • Unlike domestic politics, where there are established authorities (e.g., the Supreme Court), disputes in international politics often remain unresolved due to this lack of authority.

  • United Nations (UN):

    • Founded in 1945 after WWII to facilitate global cooperation.

    • Comprising over 190 member states, the UN attempts to perform governing functions but lacks enforcement power.

International Court of Justice

  • A body within the UN that resolves disputes between states but cannot enforce its decisions.

  • Consent of parties is required for cases, limiting its effectiveness.

Concept of Sovereignty

  • States cannot be compelled to adhere to international laws due to sovereignty; they operate independently unless they consent to obligations.

Leadership in International Politics

  • Leaders function as fiduciaries, acting on behalf of their citizens' interests.

    • Actions are often cold, calculated, and self-interested, characterized by the philosophy of realism.

  • Example: The decision by President Truman to drop atomic bombs during WWII highlights the moral complexities involved in international decision-making.

Communication Barriers

  • International relations are complicated by linguistic differences, cultural misunderstandings, and trust issues.

Types of Power in International Politics

  • Military Power: Typical display of might, as seen in parades featuring large troop displays.

  • Economic Power: Wealthier nations exert influence through economic means.

  • Soft Power: A state's reputation as a constructive global actor can be leveraged.

  • Leadership Power: Certain strong leaders can disproportionately influence international relations.

Role of Diplomacy

  • Most interactions between states occur through diplomacy, which aims to resolve conflicts without military intervention.

  • Diplomacy is conducted through embassies, consulates, and the appointment of ambassadors who engage in high-level negotiations.

  • Recent concerns about ambassadorial turnover and its potential impact on international relations.

Diplomatic Immunity

  • Codified in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, granting immunity from criminal law to diplomats.

  • Head of state immunity can disappear post-tenure.

  • Unique cases illustrate the complexities and exceptions, such as tennis player Boris Becker's claim to immunity.

Sanctions as a Tool of Foreign Policy

  • Sanctions can be unilateral or multilateral, aimed at influencing the behavior of states. Types include:

    • Diplomatic sanctions: Withdrawal of embassies or diplomatic engagement.

    • Economic sanctions: Restrictions on trade and economic relations.

    • Military sanctions: Last-resort military intervention.

Post-Cold War International Politics

  • Increased number and variety of international actors post-Cold War.

  • Multipolarity replaces the previous bipolar world of U.S. vs. Soviet Union.

  • Enhanced efforts to enforce international law and treaties through institutions such as the International Criminal Court.

International Law

  • Framework governing state interactions, though enforcement is problematic due to state sovereignty and lack of central authority.

  • Realists argue that true international harmony is unlikely due to self-interest dominating state relations.

Case Study on Elephants and International Law

  • The Great Elephant Census revealed a significant decline in elephant populations due to poaching.

  • Reflects the challenges faced by international agreements like CITES in protecting endangered species.

  • Students encouraged to engage with upcoming quiz questions related to CITES and current international frameworks.