Introduction to International Relations (IR)
 

In the second half of this course, we will leave Comparative Politics behind and start our exploration of International Relations--that is, the relations between states.  Our consideration will be organized around the issue/case discussions in the Snow textbook.  Today's opening lecture on theory gives us a rubric by which we will understand each of the cases.  Be sure that each class day you are prepared to discuss the cases or we are going to have some pretty boring discussions.

We need to learn several basic schools of thought in international relations today.  These are comprehensive and influential approaches to understanding the world, man, his behavior, and how one should behave in the international realm.

 

I.  Realism

Austria's Metternich, realist par example of the early 1800s

Realism is the pessimism of IR Theory. (Learn the words in all caps and be able to understand how they contribute to the IR approach)

 

Criticisms of realist theory?

 

Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State (1973-77) and National Security Advisor (1969-75)

 

There are traditional realist theories (see Morgenthau, Politics Among Nations), neo-realist theories (Waltz, Theory of International Politics), and soft (institutionalist) realist theories (Bull, The Anarchical Society). Other prominent realist exponents: George Kennan, Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger (picture above).

 

II.  Liberalism

Liberalism is the optimism of international relations theory (painting to the right is Immanuel Kant, 18th c. philosopher).

Woodrow Wilson, prominent idealist

 

Criticisms of liberalism?

 

 

Some texts: Relevant chapters in David A. Baldwin (ed), Neorealism and Neoliberalism: The Contemporary Debate, and C. Kegley (ed) Controversies in International Relations: Realism and the Neoliberal Challenge.  Other prominent liberal exponents: Locke, Montesquieu, Kant, Wilson. Contemporary thinkers: Joseph Nye, Robert Keohane.

 

III.  Other approaches:

Radical approaches:

Criticisms of radicalism?

 

Constructivist approach:

 

Arose as a result of perceived weaknesses of liberalism and realism.  Realism can’t explain change—unchanging.  Liberalism pushes toward assuming positive, peaceful change.  But, not entirely inconsistent with the other theories.

 

One of the main assumptions of a constructivist approach is that identities, norms, and culture play important roles in world politics. Identities and interests of states are not simply structurally determined, but are rather produced by interactions, institutions, norms, cultures (product of social activity and construction, "anarchy is what states make of it").  It is process, not structure, which determines the manner in which states interact.   Evolving identities and norms affect both the reality and the discourse about international politics.

 

Idea of a nation-state, just that an idea. An idea that we imbue with meaning, socially constructed. As an idea can change over time.

 

As to international organizations, constructivists see these organizations as locales in which learning can take place.  Norms of interaction are transferred to new members through interactions over time.

 

Two quick examples:

Learning to behave in the European Union (EU) manner (we will do our negotiation in this class).  Long processes of discussions and talking have created an EU consciousness among diplomats, a “we-feeling,” inclined to listen to, seek consensus with fellow members.

 

China in international organizations, engage, en-web China in international organizations to teach it how to behave. Does actually seem to be working. China at first aloof from many of the international organizations to which it is a party.  Now, engaging more actively, learning vocabulary of inter-state cooperation, and hopefully learning new norms of interaction.

 

See Alexander Wendt, "Anarchy is What States Make of It," International Organisation, 46/2, 1992.

 

Critiques of Constructivism:

 

Look at Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale.

Discuss: Is Spike a realist or a liberal? Why?

Is Rainbow Fish a realist or a liberal? Why?

 

Discuss President Obama's foreign policy. Is he a realist or a liberal? Have we seen enough to know?

 

 

 

Last updated: March 17, 2009

Author: tanp@uncw.edu

Return to Dr. Tan's homepage: http://people.uncw.edu/tanp/

Return to PLS 111 syllabus: http://people.uncw.edu/tanp/PLS111c.html