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