PSC 124.200: Introduction International Relations.

PSC 124.200: Introduction

International Relations

Today

Are you registered for this class? Digital pictures Overview of the syllabus Index cards Nau, preface and introduction

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

The question for this course

Are international relations undergoing fundamental and irreversible changes?

Is the international system shifting away from state-centrism?

Are non-state actors effectively challenging states?


Are you


What are international relations?

Political: States, IGOs, and NGOs Traditional (states only): War, diplomacy, sanctions, foreign

aid, military alliances, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) Non-traditional (including non-state actors): Non-

governmental organizations (NGOs), terrorism, drug trade

Economic: Multinational corporations (MNCs) Trade in goods, financial services, remittances, sanctions, drug

trade

Social/Cultural: Ideas and individuals Migration, tourism, professional organizations, human rights,

adoptions, religion, etc.


From inter-national politics to global affairs?

In the past

Actors: States

Issues: War and Peace

Principles: State sovereignty and self-interst

Power based on: military strength and economic development

PBS frontline (video selection)

In the future?

Actors: States, International organizations, business corporations, NGOs

Issues: Trade, environment, global justice, development, etc.

Principles: Interdependence and human rights

Power based on: Capacity to cooperate; technologies to solve global problems


Why theories?

Purpose of theories in international relations:

Positivism: Explain and predict by reducing the complexity of reality (examples: Neorealism, Institutionalism).

Normativism: Challenge reality with reference to normative standpoints/values and develop strategies of fundamental global change (examples: Feminism and gender equality; Marxism and class struggle; Idealism and human rights).


Nau’s approach (preface)

Theories and ‘facts’ Three perspectives: power, institutions, and ideas Three theories: realism, institutionalism, and

constructivism (idealism)


Chapter 1: Perspectives

What do perspectives do? They help us reduce complexity and choose a specific

lens (example: Darfur) Understand how leaders think Identify the primary causes of conflict


Chapter 1: Levels of Analysis

Individual level (first image): psychology of leaders

Domestic level (second image): characteristics of the political system (example: democracy)

International level (third image): character of the international system (example: anarchy)


Chapter 1: Theories

Realism: power struggles among states; solution: balance of power

Institutionalism: self-interested cooperation among states; solution: regimes based on shared interests

Constructivism (idealism, identity perspective): differences in identities; solution: shared norms


Who, what, why, and how?

Realism Institutionalism Constructivism

What is the organizing principle?

Anarchy Interdependence Norms/ideas

Who are the main actors?

States States States/IGOs/NGOs

What are their main goals?

Survival/power(protect domestic population)

Economic gain and cooperation (maximize domestic well-being)

Solving global problems (maximize everyone’s well-being)

What are the core capabilities?

Military Technologic and economic

Knowledge


PSC 124.200: Introduction International Relations.

Documents

Transcript of PSC 124.200: Introduction International Relations.