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Summary Theories of International Relations
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Theories of International RelationsSophie Gersjes
2019/2020
1
,Lecture 1 Introduction 2
Lecture 2 Classic Realism Morgenthau 4
Lecture 3 Classic Realism Lebow 5
Lecture 4 Neorealism 1: Walz chapters 4-5 7
Lecture 5 Neorealism: Waltz Chapter 6-8 10
Lecture 6: Neoliberalism and Sterling-Folker 13
Lecture 7: Neoliberal Institutionalism & Keohane 17
Lecture 8: Social Constructivism: Wendt Chapter 6 & 7 19
Lecture 9: Social Constructivism II: Finnemore & Sikkink 22
Lecture 10: Critical Theory: Rupert ch8 & Cox 126-130 25
Lecture 11: Critical Theory: Waever on (de) securitization 29
Lecture 12: Feminist & Gender Theories: C. Carpenter 30
Lecture 13: Gender & Feminist Theories II: A. Tickner 34
Lecture 14: Postcolonial Theories of International Relations I 36
Lecture 15: Postcolonial theory of international Relations II 38
Lecture 16: Popular Culture and International Relations 41
Lecture 17: Popular Culture and IR II: Harry Potter and IR 42
Lecture 1 Introduction
Theories as mark of distinction of the discipline ir
2
, - Distinguish IR from history, laws, geography. It is about theory development and find
explanations instead of descriptions.
- Rather young but durable sub discipline within political science. It evolved after wwII.
Because of major destruction as a result of international conflict. Separate chairs and
institutes manifested after this time.
- Development of theories is rewarded in discipline
→ There are many theories to explain because relations evolve
→ Also blow other theories out of the water and establish new theories→ competing
There are great debates of IR
1. Realism vs Liberalism → 1950/70
2. Traditionalism vs Behaviouralism → 1960/70
3. Neorealism vs Neoliberalism → 1970/80
4. Positivism vs Reflectivism/Constructivism → 1990
→ Served to organize, focus → are part of the structure
Theories and world views
- Manage flood of info, we notice certain things and ignore others→ can blind or guide
you
- Result from socialization, historical experiences, societal position etc.
- IR theories akin to world views → we consider particular actors, structures and
processes to be important and decisive.
Characterizations
→ theories abstract
- Transcends observable facts and historical incidents
- Identify essential and typical patterns and the general causes, effects and
relationships
- Helps formulate general statements with respect to these patterns, causes, effects etc.
We do not want to understand each thing, but is it typical etc.
- May be speculative, may not fit exactly
→ Different theories make us look at different things → more rosy or grey or more actors etc.
Additional functions
1. Descriptive typical/essential → what is?
2. Normative what is supposed to be?
3. Causal Determine cause and effect, explain, predict, change → why?
Building Blocks
1. Social actors who are the actors→ states, io’s, non governmental organizations,
transnational corporations and individuals
2. Disposition What interests do the actors have and how do they realize them?
a. Rational/instrumental logic based on a cost-benefit
b. Logic of appropriateness and align to societal norms and rules
3
, c. Are the interests Static or changeable
→ Lines are not always clear
3. a. Social structures determine relations between elements within a system
a. Normative rules and norms
i. Constitutive → membership within a particular system and position
ii. Regulative → rules of behaviour
b. Resource based
b. Processes understand and explain patterns of social interactions such as
cooperation. They transform behaviour into social interaction. You can look at strategic or
normative mechanisms of social interaction
4. Dynamics feedback mechanisms of social interaction on
a. Structure → reproduction or change
b. Actors → reinforcement of change of dispositions
c. Processes→ reproduction or change
→ Reinforcement, evolution or cycles → selection, mutation or innovation
Theory checklist
1. What is a theory
2. What are the building blocks?
3. What are the relevant patterns and processes?
4. Which dynamics are characteristic of international ?
Lecture 2 Classic Realism Morgenthau
Balance of power how useful is BP for the preservation of peace and security. We never know
if the balance exists.
1. Uncertainty exact power is difficult to measure. You can calculate the economy, the
population. How do you calculate territory
2. Unreality always seek maximum power/superiority which can, never really be
achieved → limitless aspiration for power. How much is needed? You need as much as
you can have. You can never have enough because you never know how much you
need to have enough.
3. Use as a ideology to disguise, legitimize, justify use of power through appeal to
principles. Are you striving for balance or to become hegemony.
→ How useful is Morgenthau’s model?
Classical Realism and Ned Lebow
Professor of international political theory in the war studies department of king's college
London.
Principal thinkers
1. Thucydides
2. Machiavelli
3. Clausewitz
4. Morgenthau
4
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