Lecture 1: Introduction to IR Theory is divided into two main schools of thought: Idealism: liberal internationalists believe in the possibility of constructing a peaceful world order through democratization and interdependence Classical realism: view liberals as naïve with their ideology as their beliefs have prevented a dispassionate understanding of the international system Neorealism: anarchy and uncertainty (absence of immutable law) · International system anarchic leads to informational uncertainty and 'security dilemma' · States focus on relative gains free of o-operation with other states (0 sum mentality - "I've got it so you can't have it") which leads to a highly competitive international relations. Neorealism: co-operation and conflict Co-operation and conflict dependent upon the balance of power determined through material capability (distribution of material power and army). Theory predicts that if one state gains inordinate power, it will take advantage of its strength, and attack weaker neighbors, thereby providing an incentive for those threatened to unite in a defensive coalition. Four main power distribution under conditions of anarchy: Uni-polarity, bipolarity balanced multi-polarity, unbalanced multi- polarity. Responses to the balance of power: Aggression - states mobilize national power and undertake pre- emptive strike against rising or dominant powers Buck-passing - states pass balancing responsibilities to other powers
Balancing- states form coalitions to thwart other states ambitions Band- wagoning- states ally with the emerging power for gain Offensive realism: dominant variant of neorealism (Mearsheimer) · States never have enough security · All states strive for power maximization and pursue expansionist policies · States are offensive positionalists · Mearsheimer: "Every state would lie to be the most formidable military in the world because this is the best way to guarantee survival in a world that can be extremely dangerous" 1994 Defensive realism: (Waltz) · States do have enough security · States do not strive for power maximization · States understand that expansion leads to escalation and conflict · States aim to maintain position and minimize loss · Keep small armies Neoclassical realism: (Zakaria Dyson) · Balance of power is key variable in international system · Cannot ignore domestic factors · Domestic factors can affect international outcomes · States usually follow imperatives of the balance of power but can miscalculate when they follow domestic imperatives leading to loss of relative power · This destabilizes international system Liberalism: states are socially adaptive · Primary aim: meets needs of people and society · Socially adaptive states have high degree of international agency and can transcend 'logic' of anarchy.
· Has both domestic and international institutions- domestic democracy and international trade · Classical liberal thesis: democracies don't go to war with one another (Democratic peace theory) · Kant - democracy and economic integration and international organizations = peace