comparative theory

• 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