PSC 124.200: Introduction International Relations

Hans Peter Schmitz

Today

Are you registered for this class?Digital picturesOverview of the syllabusIndex cardsNau, preface and introduction

Wednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

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? Wednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

Hans Peter Schmitz

Are youWednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

Hans Peter Schmitz

What are international relations? Political: States, IGOs, and NGOsTraditional (states only): War, diplomacy, sanctions, foreign aid, military alliances, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)Non-traditional (including non-state actors): Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), terrorism, drug tradeEconomic: Multinational corporations (MNCs)Trade in goods, financial services, remittances, sanctions, drug tradeSocial/Cultural: Ideas and individuals Migration, tourism, professional organizations, human rights, adoptions, religion, etc. Wednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

Hans Peter Schmitz

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 Wednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

Hans Peter Schmitz

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).

Wednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

Hans Peter Schmitz

Naus approach (preface)

Theories and factsThree perspectives: power, institutions, and ideasThree theories: realism, institutionalism, and constructivism (idealism)

Wednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

Hans Peter Schmitz

Chapter 1: Perspectives

What do perspectives do? They help us reduce complexity and choose a specific lens (example: Darfur)Understand how leaders thinkIdentify the primary causes of conflict

Wednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

Hans Peter Schmitz

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)

Wednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

Hans Peter Schmitz

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

Wednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

Hans Peter Schmitz

Who, what, why, and how?

Wednesday, January 16, 2008Hans Peter Schmitz

RealismInstitutionalismConstructivismWhat is the organizing principle?AnarchyInterdependenceNorms/ideasWho are the main actors?StatesStatesStates/IGOs/NGOsWhat are their main goals? Survival/power(protect domestic population)Economic gain and cooperation (maximize domestic well-being)Solving global problems (maximize everyones well-being)What are the core capabilities? MilitaryTechnologic and economicKnowledge

Hans Peter Schmitz