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Summary international institutionsLecture 01 – International relations theories (chapter 3)
Theories
Theory: a collection of propositions that combine to explain social phenomena by
specifying the relationships among a set of concepts.
To evaluate the strength of a theory we generate a testable Hypotheses:
falsifiable statements that question the proposed relationship between two or more
variables. They Identify patterns,
and make generalizations.
There are four theoretical perspectives in the study of international relations:
Realism, Liberalism, constructivism and radicalism (this is less present). These
theoretical perspectives are sets of theories united by some common themes.
There are common actors, concepts, and issues on which they focus their
explanations for various international events.
Factors of International relations
Some of the factors that play a role in international relationships:
- Material: States, International institutions, Multinational corporation,
influential individuals, NGO’s, private foundations.
- Conceptual factors: Include an idea of an international system, as well as
ideas about norms and identities.
Identity: is a sense of self based on certain quali- ties and beliefs that serve to
define a person or group.
Norms: are collective expectations for the proper behavior of actors with a given
identity.
International institutions
International institutions are also central actors in international politics for many
international relations theories. Examples are formal organizations such as the UN
and EU but also it could be treaties (law of the sea treaty, Vienna convention for the
protection of the Ozone layer).
International institutions: A set of rules meant to govern international behavior.
,International relations theories
The main perspectives are realism, liberalism and constructivism. Complementary
perspectives are radicalism and feminism.
Realism:
Realists focus on the state and the international system. They believe that states
are unitary actors that act out of their self-interest. This idea of anarchy refers to
the fact that in the international system there is no hierarchically superior, coercive
authority that can create laws, resolve disputes, or enforce law and order.
International politics is all about power. Realists see states as increasing their power
in two possible ways: (1) through war (and conquest) or (2) by balancing against
powerful states by taking actions to offset their power and fend off a potential
attack.
Morality, international law and international institutions are weak and ineffective.
They cannot prevent war.
Liberalism:
Liberalists focus on strengthening international relationships. They believe that war
can be prevented by strengthening international rules, norms and institution.
Especially liberal ones (democracy, free trade).
By creating interdependency and habits of cooperation, competition between states
will gradually decrease. Example: EU.
The differences between realism and liberalism:
Realism and liberalism contradict each other.
, Constructivism:
Constructivism explains events in international politics through a focus on norms
and identities. Both of the individuals and of states. It is an overarching perspective
with a set of core ideas that most constructivists share. For constructivists, the
objects of study in international relations should be the identities of actors, and the
norms and practices of individuals and groups that stem from those identities.
They believe that the interests of states are constantly redefined, by culture, norms,
and ideas. International organizations can reshape the world by redefining these
ideas. It is more subjective.
Constructivism in international relations:
Constructivism challenges Realists and Liberals on their conceptions of the
state/state interests, arguing that both are constructed, subject to change and
dependent on interaction with others.
They introduce subjective elements. They believe that all reasoning is closely linked
to language. They think humans develop ideas, and ideas becoming widely
accepted affect state actions. “Agents” shape their social context, which in turn
shapes their behaviors, interests, and identities. Through creation of shared
identities through interaction, symbols, language they think war can be prevented.
Constructivism is actually rather an ‘approach’ and no theory.
Radicalism:
Global institutions serve capitalism. International politics is a class struggle.
Imperialism and neo-colonialism make the world’s have-nots depend on the haves.
Often, it’s women who end up being the prime victims of this injustice.
Theories from this perspective place primacy on the role of economics in explaining
international phenomena. It differs from the other three main perspectives which
place the most importance on political interaction. They focus on the role of the
economic system and actors such as economic classes and multinational
corporations. Following this line of logic, two main schools of thought are the most
pervasive in the radical perspective: Marxism and Dependency theory.
Feminism:
If women were given more space to define, describe, and lead in domestic and
international affairs the world would be a better place more just, more peaceful,
more prosperous. Realist and liberal feminists argue for greater participation of
women in national and international decision making, and in economic life.
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