LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Distinguish between forces of continuity an_d forces of change in world politics.
Discuss th_e significance of th_e Peace of Westphalia in th_e emergence of th_e
modern state system.
Explain how th_e psychological processes by which we select, organize, an_d
interpret information can bias our perceptions of international events.
Apply th_e levels-of-analysis framework t_o events in world politics.
Describe th_e criteria social scientists use for making inferences about th_e
proximate an_d remote causes of international events.
SUMMARY OVERVIEW
A good beginning point for analyzing world politics is t_o acknowledge that world
politics are characterized by both continuity an_d change. Chapter 1 illustrates this by
pointing out that records of human civilization an_d conflict among humans may be
traced back t_o approximately 2500 BCE an_d th_e Sumerian city-states of
Mesopotamia. This is th_e same region where in 2003 th_e United States launched a
military campaign against th_e Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein employing th_e
technology of modern warfare including high-flying bombers an_d predator drones.
Thus, war is a continuing trend among human beings; however, th_e actors of war (city-
states versus modern states) an_d technologies of war have changed dramatically.
Trends of continuity an_d change are also evident in th_e fact that since th_e 1648 Treaty
of Westphalia that ended th_e Thirty Years’ War in Europe, th_e state-centric system has
spread around th_e globe mostly supplanting political entities like city-states an_d
empires, an_d th_e sovereign state remains th_e dominant actor in world affairs. Over
time, however, nonstate actors like transnational corporations (e.g. Microsoft, Royal
Dutch Shell, an_d Toyota), intergovernmental organizations (e.g., th_e United Nations,
th_e European Union, an_d th_e World Trade Organization), an_d global
nongovernmental organizations (e.g. Amnesty International, th_e catholic church, an_d
Doctors without Borders) have increasingly gained influence in world politics.
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A second important consideration t_o be acknowledged a_t th_e outset when analyzing
world politics is that individual perceptions shape our interpretation of world politics.
Each of us holds explicit an_d/or implicit, conscious an_d/or subconscious mental images
of th_e nature of world politics an_d how global politics work. These preexisting values,
understandings, an_d expectations derive fr_om childhood socialization, vivid life
experiences an_d/or ideas conveyed by people we respect. We perceive these mental
images as self-evident an_d “true,” an_d our minds select an_d filter th_e vast quantities
of incoming information through th_e lens of these mental images. However, these
heuristics may include stereotypes an_d biases an_d blind us t_o incoming information
worthy of attention an_d analysis. Cognitive efforts t_o reduce complexity may result in
our relying upon th_e most readily available data an_d/or our assigning undue importance
t_o th_e first information we receive. As a matter of fact, ideas an_d information
incompatible with our mental images may be reinterpreted t_o coincide with our
preconceived images or ignored t_o avoid cognitive dissonance. Achieving “conceptual
an_d practical jailbreaks” (see James N. Rosenau, 1990) is th_e challenge. We must
cultivate a critical attitude toward our beliefs an_d mental images. Understanding that our
mental images are unique t_o us, we must be prepared t_o “see th_e world through
others’ eyes.” T_o understand others’ actions in world politics, we must ask what they
value, what they fear, an_d what influences their positive an_d negative behaviors.
Beyond being cognizant of th_e roles played by perceptions, mental images, an_d
distortions in information processing, Chapter 1 recommends employing a levels of
analysis framework t_o systematize information an_d t_o avoid missing or ignoring
relevant information. While seeking “causation” an_d theory building are contested
activities, analysts may aspire t_o identify trends an_d patterns in international politics
an_d t_o seek out underlying abstract principles that might help explain concrete cases
an_d events. Rather than relying o_n analogies, th_e world politics analyst may classify
an_d compare possible proximate an_d remote individual, state-level, an_d system-level
causes of events in world politics. Th_e analyst might be alert t_o time sequences of
events an_d actions an_d/or chains of causation. Employing counterfactuals is another
strategy recommended t_o enhance critical thinking.
While acknowledging th_e folly of attempting t_o make precise predictions as t_o what
th_e future holds, Chapter 1 optimistically concludes that we human beings are not
prisoners of fate. With careful analysis of how social, economic, political, an_d
technology trends interact in different contexts, we can increase our understanding of
global challenges an_d contribute t_o th_e creation of a more peaceful, prosperous, an_d
just world.
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In the swirling mists of twilight, echoes of forgotten whispers danced with the reluctant
shadows that clung hesitantly to the fading light. Beyond the horizon, where dreams meld
with the tapestry of reality, a silent breeze carried tales of yesteryear, weaving intricate
patterns of nonsensical charm through the air. Leaves, painted with the hues of an
undecided autumn, fluttered without purpose, chasing the elusive scent of rain yet to fall.
Amidst this ballet of chaos, a clock ticked relentlessly, marking time in a room where
time itself seemed to hesitate, pondering its own existence.
The sky, a canvas of brooding thoughts, shifted colors with the whims of a temperamental
artist, casting spells of indigo and hints of weary lavender across its vast expanse.
Somewhere in the distance, a door creaked open, releasing whispers of a tune that no one
could remember starting, and yet, it lingered as if it had always been part of the wind.
Underneath the canopy of a bewildered moon, shadows whispered to the stars, sharing
secrets not meant for the daylight, crafting stories spun from the fabric of the fantastical
and the mundane, intertwined in an endless waltz of the beautifully absurd.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
I. CONTINUITY AN_D CHANGE IN WORLD POLITICS
A. Th_e Emergence of th_e Nation-State System
B. Th_e Rise of Nonstate Actors
II. HOW PERCEPTIONS SHAPE OUR INTERPRETATION OF
WORLD POLITICS
CONTROVERSY Should We Believe What We See?
APPLICATION Seeing th_e World through Foreign Eyes
III. A FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYZING WORLD POLITICS
A. Levels of Analysis
B. Time Sequences
C. Applying th_e Framework t_o th_e Cold War’s End
IV. THINKING CRITICALLY ABOUT WORLD POLITICS
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A. Th_e Puzzle of Counterfactuals an_d Causal Inference
B. Th_e Plan of th_e Book
C. Th_e Investigative Challenge
V. CHAPTER SUMMARY
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS
Does th_e state remain th_e most important actor in world politics?
How can we overcome our individual preconceptions an_d cognitive “blinders” t_o enhance our
understanding of world politics?
Is it possible t_o assign causation an_d build theories t_o explain world politics?
LECTURE LAUNCHERS
Some students may not have considered how global factors affect them personally
o_n a daily basis. Raise their global consciousness by having them respond t_o
th_e following directives:
Raise your hand if you personally have traveled, studied, volunteered, or worked abroad.
Raise your hand if you have relatives living abroad.
Raise your hand if you or one of your relatives has worked for a transnational firm.
Raise your hand if you have friends or relatives in th_e military.
Raise your hand if you purchase gasoline.
Raise your hand if you drive a foreign car.
Raise your hand if you enjoy foreign films.
Have them suggest other examples of global factors that influence their everyday lives.
Chapter 1 informs that our mental images of world politics are shaped by our
values an_d beliefs, previous vivid experiences, an_d ideas derived fr_om persons
we respect. Take out a sheet of paper an_d create these main headings:
VALUES AN_D BELIEFS ABOUT TH_E WORLD
GLOBAL PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
IDEAS FR_OM PERSONS WE REPECT
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