comparative theory

Cards (44)

  • what are the 2 theories in global politics?
    realism and liberalism
  • what is the utility of having two theories in global politics
    provide views on the state of international politics
    provide an avenue for prediction
  • define realism:
    a theory of global politics
    pessimistic in nature
    champions international anarchy, the constant risk of war, the security dilemma
    nation states are the main actors in global politics
    state's personality = selfish, self-interested, seek power and prestige
  • define international anarchy
    states have legal sovereignty which cannot controlled or limited by another entity.
  • define the security dilemma:
    nation states boost military and forge alliances to protect themselves, but other states will observe this and do the same. This can leads to arms races and the state being in a less secure place than they were originally
    The original states defensive actions threatened its safety/did the reverse/made it more vulnerable
  • what are the main points realist thinkers put forward
    world is hostile so state must do all it can to survive
  • why is there a war risk according to realism?
    anarchic state of international relations
    security dilemma
  • what did Morgenthau state? which ideology?

    human nature is reflected in global politics
    ("The social world is but a projection of human nature onto the collective plane")
    Realism.
  • which Conservative thinker to Realists root their ideas in and align with?

    Thomas Hobbes
    dark view of human nature
    (life in a "state of nature" is "short", "brutish" and "nasty", and conflict is likely)
  • what does Mearshimer say?
    there is no "night watchman" to defend order and maintain stability so states must defend themselves
  • what does the existence of international anarchy mean to Realists?
    states must defend themselves
    states should become as powerful as they can as a deterrent to other
    states must prioritise their own security
    liberal ideas can be destabilising as they encourage relations internationally
  • define: liberalism (in global)
    an optimistic view that believes states can cooperate to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
    the encouragement of free-trade democracy and human rights are rooted in liberalism
  • what is complex interdependence
    through globalisation states have come to rely and form connections with each other, that in turn reduce the inevitability belief of war
  • which thinkers talk about complex interdependence?
    Keohane
    Nye
  • Which liberal thinker does global liberalism agree with?
    John Locke
    human possess natural rights
  • what does liberalism belief in natural rights mean for their goals?
    protect human rights
    advance democracy globally
    free trade
  • do liberalist thinkers believe global governance would be good?
    why/why not?
    yes
    humans and therefore states are naturally cooperative, so have the capacity to achieve collective goals and have more to gain through it
  • where do liberals align with Hobbes?
    humans do seek their best outcomes, but this can be done in a shared manner achieving collective goals.
  • why do Liberals say war and conflict can be avoided?
    humans are rational
    human rights protection, liberal democracy and free trade spreading all reduce the risk of nation states acting aggressively
    intergovernmental organisations allow a place to resolve dilemma
  • do liberals enjoy globalisation and regionalism?
    yes
    reduces conflict so they encourage states to cooperate
  • how do realists and liberals disagree on human nature?
    realists believe human nature is greedy, selfish and violent
    liberals alternatively view humans' nature as cooperative and rational
  • how do realist and liberalist views on human nature impact their beliefs about global politics?
    realists think states should maximise their power and maximise security to ensure their survival
    liberals believe nation states should take opportunities to cooperate with others
  • how do realists and liberals disagree about Western liberal ideas?

    Realists believe a state's survival is its objective
    liberals believe that free-trade, liberal democracy and protecting human rights are morally good and should be an objective of the state and international governance
  • what do liberals say about security and militaries?
    increasing them too much is provocative and can = security dilemma
  • what do realists say about international relations and global politics?
    nation states are the main actors
    nation states should not have their internal activities controlled or dictated by external forces and bodies
    IGO and NGO membership if it is in the state's interest however sovereignty is not surrendered
  • What do liberals believe nation state's and IGO/NGO's significance are in international politics?
    important but state should surrender some sovereignty in order to resolve problems and maintain stability and peace.
    IGO and NGO are essential to allow cooperation and in turn stability
    IGO and NGO allow resolutions to collective problems
    nation states should be held account and actions should be taken if there are illegal goings on inside a state eg crimes against humanity
  • What did Hadley Bull write about?
    international relations
    the anarchical society and the society of states
  • what does 'anarchical society and the society of states' theory entail?
    that states can cooperate but only if they benefit from the outcome
    they surrender no sovereignty
    IGO and NGO recognise the sovereignty of states
  • is 'anarchical society and the society of states' a realism or liberalism example?
    realist
    Why? Because states only cooperate to maximise their interest, not to pursue the greater good
  • what did Fukuyama write and when did he write?
    the end of history and the last man
    1992
  • What is Fukuyama's argument
    that when Western liberal democracy is universally adopted, humans have reached the 'end of history' because there is nothing left to challenge liberal democracy
    End of the Cold War (1990) was the foundation of his argument
  • what did Samuel Huntington write? and When did he Write it?
    the clash of civilisations
    in 1996
  • What is the argument of Samuel Huntington?
    that 21st century would be plagued by conflicts between civilisations
    it is not differences in ideology but culture that conflict thrives in
  • which conflicts did Huntington articulate there would be conflict between?
    Islam and Western Civilisations
    Orthodox Europe and the Western Europe
  • Was/is Fukuyama correct in his belief?
    liberal democracy did take over many areas of the world
    however it was the reason for Western War on Terror to spread democracy to Iraq
  • Is Huntington correct in his ideas
    he predicted there would be conflict in Ukraine as it is a country with divided citizens (number of regions wanting to separate) so a security conflict is ripe between Russ. and Ukraine in the near future
  • Realist view of the state and globalisation
    the state maintains authority
    states' safety drives decision making
    the state is the main actor in global politics
    the states goal is survival in the anarchic global system
    wary of globalisation, only OK if it is the best interest of the state
    war is more likely than harmony is
  • Liberal view of the state and globalisation:
    State is not the main actor
    advocate polycentrism
    global participation can reduce conflict
    globalisation fosters the spread of free-trade, democracy and human rights' safety
    morality guides decisions
  • do liberals think international organs are effective?
    why (or not)?
    Yes
    They provide a platform for cooperation
    They aid resolutions
  • do realists believe international organs are effective?
    why/why not?
    no
    they have no sovereignty