Boost your understanding of International Relations with these meticulously compiled lecture notes from the INTL203 course. Covering key topics like anarchy in the international system, collective security, liberalism, and realism, these notes distill complex theories into clear, organized summarie...
Comprehensive INTL203 Lecture Notes for Sale (A- grade notes)
Comprehensive INTL203 Lecture Notes for Sale (A- notes)
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Lecture 3: How to Survive under Anarchy?
How to Survive under Anarchy?
Collective Security-Perpetual Peace – Idealism
1. Collective Security
Collective security is a core principle of Idealism, advocating for an international
system where states cooperate to prevent aggression. The concept implies that an
attack against one member is considered an attack against all, prompting a unified
response. This approach aims to create a global community where states can feel
secure without constant fear of conflict or military escalation.
The idea of collective security gained prominence after World War I, particularly with
the formation of the League of Nations. It was later institutionalized more effectively
in the United Nations, with the aim of deterring potential aggressors by ensuring a
collective response from the international community.
2. Perpetual Peace
Perpetual Peace is a concept rooted in the writings of Immanuel Kant, who argued
that a peaceful global order could be achieved through republican governments,
international cooperation, and respect for human rights. Idealists adopted this vision,
aiming to establish a world where conflicts are resolved through diplomacy rather
than war.
The ideal of Perpetual Peace underpins efforts to create international laws,
organizations, and norms that foster dialogue and mutual respect among states. It
reflects the broader Idealist belief that human nature is fundamentally positive and
that war can be prevented through the promotion of ethical behavior and democratic
governance.
These concepts illustrate Idealism's optimistic approach to achieving lasting peace
through cooperation, shared norms, and international institutions.
Balance of Power - Stability – Realism
1. Balance of Power
The Balance of Power theory is fundamental to Realist thought, which posits that
states should distribute power among themselves to prevent any one state from
becoming dominant. This mechanism serves to deter aggression, as potential
aggressors are discouraged by the collective opposition of other states. It’s a defensive
strategy aimed at maintaining equilibrium in the international system.
The idea emerged from the 19th-century European state system, where states formed
shifting alliances to counter rising threats. This approach helps create a situation
where no single state can assert dominance, thus maintaining stability in
international relations.
2. Stability
, Realism emphasizes that the best outcome for the anarchic international system is not
perpetual peace but stability—defined as the absence of major wars. Stability is
achieved when power is balanced among states, reducing the incentives for aggressive
behavior. This perspective is grounded in a pessimistic view of human nature and state
behavior, where peace is seen as temporary and maintained through power dynamics
rather than cooperation.
Realists believe that the balance of power fosters stability by preventing any state
from gaining enough power to dominate others. It is considered the most practical
way to manage international relations under anarchy, where conflicts cannot be
completely eradicated but can be controlled.
Realism's focus on these concepts demonstrates its pragmatic approach, prioritizing
equilibrium and the deterrence of aggression over idealistic notions of lasting peace.
Institutions - Perpetual Peace – Liberalism
1. Institutions
Liberalism emphasizes the role of international institutions in fostering cooperation
among states. According to liberal scholars, institutions help mitigate the anarchic
nature of the international system by providing a platform for dialogue, setting
rules, and facilitating transparency.
Institutions like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and International
Court of Justice play a significant role in reducing uncertainty and promoting
compliance with international norms. They create mechanisms that encourage
reciprocity, ensuring that states respect agreements and rules over the long term,
which helps maintain global order and stability.
2. Perpetual Peace
The concept of Perpetual Peace, inspired by Immanuel Kant, is central to liberal
thought. Kant proposed that lasting peace could be achieved through democratic
governance, economic interdependence, and international institutions. Liberalism
adopts this ideal, arguing that spreading democracy and building strong economic
and institutional ties can reduce the likelihood of conflict.
Liberalism posits that democratic states are less likely to go to war with one
another, supporting the Democratic Peace Theory. This idea aligns with the broader
goal of achieving Perpetual Peace, as democracies are seen as more transparent and
accountable, making them more predictable in international relations.
These components reflect Liberalism’s optimism about creating a more peaceful
international system through rules-based cooperation and institutional
development.
Ideas & Identity - Global Society – Constructivism
, 1. Ideas & Identity
In Constructivism, ideas and identity are seen as central to shaping state behavior and
international relations. Constructivists argue that the interests and actions of states are not
only determined by material factors like power and security but are also influenced by
shared ideas, beliefs, and identities. These ideational factors shape how states perceive each
other, define their interests, and engage in international interactions.
Identity plays a crucial role, as states often act based on their perceived roles, whether as
"democracies," "great powers," or members of a specific international community. For
example, a state's identity as a "peaceful nation" might lead it to support international law
and institutions more actively, aiming to create a cooperative global environment.
2. Global Society
Constructivism views the international system as a "global society," where states are
interconnected through shared norms, values, and institutions. This perspective emphasizes
that international politics is socially constructed, meaning that the behaviors and relations
among states are shaped by the meanings and interpretations they assign to their
interactions.
The global society framework suggests that international cooperation is possible when
states internalize common norms and develop a sense of mutual identity. Unlike Realism or
Liberalism, which primarily focus on power or economic factors, Constructivism argues that
the evolution of norms—like human rights, non-proliferation, and environmental
protection—can redefine state interests and behavior.
3. Constructivism
Constructivism challenges the assumptions of Realism and Liberalism by emphasizing that
the structure of the international system is not fixed but is shaped by shared ideas, norms,
and discourses. It contends that change in the international order can occur when new
norms and identities emerge and are adopted by states, leading to shifts in behavior and
policies.
Constructivists also emphasize the role of "norm entrepreneurs," who promote new ideas
and values, which can alter how states perceive their interests. Over time, these changes can
reshape the international system, as states adopt new identities and ideas that foster
cooperation and build a more integrated global society.
These elements highlight Constructivism’s focus on the social dimensions of international
relations, where ideas, identities, and norms are seen as driving forces in shaping state
behavior and global interactions.
Idealism & World War One
Here is an explanation of the concepts of nationalism, imperialism, militarism, and alliances
during World War I, based on the transcripts provided:
1. **Nationalism**
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