PART II: 4 WAYS TO CONCEPTUALISE THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
Lecture 2: International Anarchy (& Aliens)
International System
Many types of actors that co-exist within a larger system that structures them & their interactions:
● States (governments, ministries, etc.) divided territorially.
● Sub-national bodies (regions, cities, etc.).
● Inter-governmental organisations (regional or functional).
● Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
● Multinational corporations/businesses/firms.
● Transnational networks (advocacy networks, terrorist networks, other).
International System: A combination of incentives & expectations that shape the identities &
behaviours of actors in international politics (has multiple understandings).
➔ Why study the international system?
◆ It has effects that CANNOT be explained simply by examining the actors &
organisations themselves.
➔ 4 concepts (ways of understanding) of the international system:
1. Anarchy
2. Hierarchy
3. Interdependence
4. Capitalism
➔ IMPORTANT questions:
◆ What are the dynamics of the international system (that CANNOT be attributed
simply to the preferences of the actors & organisations within it)?
◆ What do the parts have in common, & what distinguishes them?
KEY CONCEPTS SUMMARY
1. International Anarchy: The absence of effective central authority above states. Security dilemma or
likelihood of aggression or states’ identification with or against each other.
2. International Hierarchy: Vertical relationships of authority & domination (based on differences in
coercive power/wealth/market position, or deep social structures/ways of thinking).
3. Interdependence: Cross-border relationships with uneven reciprocal effects (exposure to
cross-border processes).
4. Capitalism: Integrated world system produces inequality among states & social classes (dynamics
of capitalism & interests of transnational capitalist class).
Anarchy
The “Billiard Ball’ model of IR: Simplified conceptualisation that views states as unitary actors
interacting with each other on the global stage.
➔ States are rational & self-interested entities.
➔ Like billiard balls on a table, each moves independently & interacts based on their interests.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller giacomoef. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $10.90. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
