| 00 | Theory Name -Heading Field - sample | Purpose of Theory - definition - What is it trying to do | Main Theoretical Proposition | Note | Main Limitation |
| 00.a | Generic Theory | 1.Theories are collections or sets of Laws Pertaining to a particular Behavior or phenomenon. 2. For K.Waltz better = Theories Explain Laws. Laws are "facts of Observation", Theories are "speculative processes introduced to explain them" | . | 1..Theories contain at least one theoretical assumption. Since not factual - can ask if useful.2. Must be evaluated in terms of what claim to explain. 3. As general explanatory system, cannot account for particularities.-Waltz -ToIP p. 118 | . |
| 00.b | Generic Political Theory | . | .Theories at one level of generality can not answer questions about matters at a different level of generality.. -Waltz -ToIP p. 121 | . | |
| 00.c | Generic International Relations Theory | .Bounded Realm or domain, law like regulations within realm, explaining the observed regularities -Waltz -ToIP p. 116 | . | .Using a International Relations system theory to explain state behavior is a problem. | . |
| 01 | Realism - [according to who?] see subsections | Unregulated competition of states, each state's interests are paramount, success is defined as preserving and strengthening each state -Waltz -ToIP p. 117 minimum = seek own survival, maximum = seek universal domination. | Self-interested states compete constantly for power or security | Power = Ability to Coerce -Waltz. Balance of power theory claims to explain the results of states actions under given conditions, and those results may not be foreshadowed in any actors' motives or be constrained as objectives in their policies.
Based on definition of power as coercive - only holds in conflict situations, For realist, force is most important part of power instrument Some believe High Politics = Security and Low politics = economics. Whose "High"?. In this case state would become a security production machine Discussion of foreign policy - in language of power and interests rather than ideals and norms.NAIC Keohane p.9 |
Does Not account for International Change -where sources of change in economy or domestic.
Lack of ability to explain events in the international arena. Does not explain something which was going to happen anyway - needs example. Can not explain co-operation. Basic problem is assumptions on which Theory is built. Requires assumption of conflict to explain power. For Realist Foreign Policy Analysis is predicated on outside threat. Never based on objectives that state might have. No sense of foreign policy except in sense of stopping someone else. Balance of Power will not necessarily produce stability. Based on perceptions of decision makers so is not automatic. Power can be in terms of relative gains or absolute gains on one over another. Advice not consistent with reality |
| 01.0m | Realism [ according to Morgenthau = Classical? | States engage in balancing power which is likely to produce stability. Effect is that Int'l system can produce stability in certain circumstances. States are Autonomous and in conflict | 1.Political realism believes that politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature. 2.international politics -- concept of interest defined in terms of power.
3. Realism assumes that its key concept of interest defined as power is an objective category which is universally valid, but it does not endow that concept with a meaning that is fixed once and for all. 4. Realism maintains that universal moral principles cannot be applied to the actions of states in their abstract universal formulation, but that they must be filtered through the concrete circumstances of time and place. 5. Political realism refuses to identify the moral aspirations of a particular nation with the moral laws that govern the universe. 6. "difference" =political realist maintains the autonomy of the political sphere, as the economist, the lawyer, the moralist maintain theirs. Political realist asks: "How does this policy affect the power of the nation?" p16 = For only by deceiving himself about the nature of politics and the role he plays on the political scene is man able to live contentedly as a political animal with himself and his fellow men. Morgenthau,Brief Edition 1993 p.4-16 ======================= |
Assumes states act like individuals with "will to power".
Blames a small number of behavior traits for conflict while ignoring more benign aspects of human nature which point in the other direction. NAIC Keohane p.11 j Failure to explain varieties in warfare over time and space. If human nature is constant why shouldn't warfare be constant? NAIC Keohane p.11 Separates the spheres of economics, religious-moral from politics. No theory of peaceful changes. Put whatever faith he had in diplomacy NAIC Keohane, p 203 failed to distinguish between power as a resource and power as ability to influence other's behavior. BOP = situation of equilibrium as well as any situation in which power struggles take place. double meaning lead to difficulties for Morgenthau |
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| 01.0w | Realism [Waltz brand] Neo-realist, structural realist | Structure of International system has great influence on states,. System composed of Structure and interacting units. Ordering Principle, Functional Character of Units, Distribution capabilities; Balance of Power | Assumes states are Unitary actors, seek preservation as minimum, use internal or external methods to achieve aims, self help system, Balance of Power assumes if disrupted will be restore. System serves as compensating device, constraining conditions | Structural Constraints explain why methods are repeatedly used despite differences in states which use them. System Level Forces are at work. Structure is distinct form level of interacting units
Power = Ability to Coerce -Waltz. Balance of power theory claims to explain the results of states actions under given conditions, and those results may not be foreshadowed in any actors' motives or be constrained as objectives in their policies. To make point Waltz notes: A. difference in level between states and system and B. Compares to macro and micro level of economics "Different domains but structurally similar" - Structure selects, those who play by rules are likely to win. Structure determines type of player likely to prosper. Sovereignty - Decides for itself how to cope with Internal & External Problems, Functions to be performed are alike, capacity is different Distribution of Capabilities. Power is calculated by comparison capacity across units. Type of order among states |
- Does not account for variations in States non-rational behavior. Supports status quo as main assumption. View of power resources implied by overall structure theory is over aggregated, exaggerating extent power is like money. Need more multi dimensional approach. NAIC Keohane p.191
- Need mote attention to internal - external interactions. Does not take note of different structural development in different historical periods., weather states came early or late in development process within system. More emphasis need for non state actors NAIC Keohane, p.193 - Need to qualify severely "states seek Power" since not most important in all cases. Has to take note of rise of international rules and procedures and obedience to them by states. Note international structure effects self-interest. What is rational for states depends on institutional context of states and underlying power realities. Need to take note of Complex interdependence - when it is difficult to use conventional power for certain purposes. NAIC Keohane, p197 - POWER = Does not separate power-as-outcome properly from power-as -resources NAIC Keohane, p202 Ignores the specification of functions of units - since assumes all units perform the same functions - therefore differentiation of units drops out |
| 01.a | Structural Realism | Theory separate from Waltz version? Called by Keohane "Explanation through an examination on the structure of International system" | . | Structural Constraints explain why methods are repeatedly used despite differences in states which use them.
- has been called by some as "technical; realism" |
- Does not account for variations in States non-rational behavior. Supports status quo as main assumption. View of power resources implied by overall structure theory is over aggregated, exaggerating extent power is like money. Need more multidimensional approach. NAIC Keohane p.191
- Need mote attention to internal - external interactions. Does not take note of different structural development in different historical periods., weather states came early or late in development process within system. More emphasis need for non state actors NAIC Keohane, p.193 - Need to qualify severely "states seek Power" since not most important in all cases. Has to take note of rise of international rules and procedures and obedience to them by states. Note international structure effects self-interest. What is rational for states depends on institutional context of states and underlying power realities. Need to take note of Complex interdependence - when it is difficult to use conventional power for certain purposes. NAIC Keohane, p197 |
| 01.b | Neorealism | .. | . | . | , |
| 01.k | Realism -Neorealism -[Kaplan model] | ||||
| 01.rk | Neo-Realism-Modified Structural Hybrid - Robert O Keohane -multidimensional approach | incorporate several analytical frameworks or research programs. Includes balance of Power where useful to understand. NAIC Keohane, p3 | - should incorporate structural realism = has clarity and parsimony, the range of phenomena it encompasses is limited.
- needs better theories of domestic politics, decision making and information processing - so gap between external and internal environments can be bridged in systematic way. NAIC Keohane, P.191 - Modified Structural analysis can provide a context within which an analysis of cognition is politically more meaningful. - knowing maxims of int'l rela theory, must know enough history to place them in context - then useful guides for interpreting events.. - Necessary to remain skeptical of int'l theory and maintain critical analysis. NAIC Keohane, p 3 i====================================== Complex Interdependence Theory The term 'complex interdependence' was developed by Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye and refers to the various, complex transnational connections (interdependencies) between states and societies. Interdependence theorists noted that such relations, particularly economic ones, were increasing; while the use of military force and power balancing were decreasing (but remained important). Reflecting on these developments, they argued that the decline of military force as a policy tool and the increase in economic and other forms of interdependence should increase the probability of cooperation among states. The complex interdependence framework can be seen as an attempt to synthesize elements of realist and liberal thought. Finally, anticipating problems of cheating and relative gains raised by realists, interdependence theorists introduced the concept of 'regimes' to mitigate anarchy and facilitate cooperation. Here, we can see an obvious connection to neo-liberal institutionalism. See Keohane, R. and J. Nye. 1977. Power and Interdependence: World Politics in Transition. Little-Brown, Boston. (2nd edition,1989). From http://www.irtheory.com/know.htm Neoliberal Institutionalism Encompasses those theories which argue that international institutions play an important role in coordinating international cooperation. Proponents begin with the same assumptions used by realists, except for the following: where realists assume that states focus on relative gains and the potential for conflict, neoliberal institutionalists assume that states concentrate on absolute gains and the prospects for cooperation. Neoliberal institutionalists believe that the potential for conflict is overstated by realists and suggest that there are countervailing forces, such as repeated interactions, that propel states toward cooperation. They regard cheating as the greatest threat to cooperation and anarchy as the lack of organization to enforce rules against cheating. Institutions are described by neoliberals as 'persistent and connected sets of rules (formal or informal) that prescribe behavioral roles, constrain activity, and shape expectations' (Keohane, R. 'International Institutions: Two Approaches', in International Studies Quarterly 32, 1988). Robert Keohane is the scholar most closely identified with neoliberal institutionalism. Http://www.irtheory.com/know.htm ================================ Interdependence always carries with it costs - since interdependence restricts autonomy. Can not specify if benefits exceed the costs - depends on values of actors and nature of relationships. Interdependance has two dimensions : sensitivity [degrees of responsiveness within a policy framework] and vulnerability [actors likelihood to suffer costs imposed by external events even after policies have been altered. PIWP Keohane and Nye, 1989 p.9-13 as noted in CTIR, Dougherty & Pfaltzgaff 1997, pp 102-103T =========== see also note on Neofunctionalism as a theory of regional integration emphasizes the political calculation and pay-off to elites who agree to collaborate in the performance of certain tasks (Viotti, P. and M. Kauppi, (eds.). 1987. International Relations Theory. Macmillan Publishing Company, New York).Http://www.irtheory.com/know.htm |
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| 02 | Liberalism | Perspective based on assumption of the innate goodness of the individual and the value of political institutions-ERI-KM p63 | Concern for power overridden by economic/ political considerations (desire for prosperity, commitment to liberal values) | Believes the individual is basically good
-for classical Liberals, cooperation emerges from man's establishing and reforming institutions that permit cooperative interactions and prohibit coercive actions.-ERI-KM p65 - International Pol Economy -Relation between individual, society, state, market: When individuals act rationally, markets are created to produce, distribute, and consume goods,: markets function best when free of government interference. - Relation between domestic and international society - International wealth is maximized with free exchange of goods and services; on the basis of comparative advantage, int'l economic gains -ERI-KM p186 |
Tends to ignore the role of power |
| 02.a | Neo-Liberalism/Institutional Liberalism [neoliberal intuitionalism] | Characterizations: 3 interpretations: interdependence among actors, international society and anarchy
- reinterpretation of liberalism that posits even anarchic International system, states will cooperate because of their continuous actions |
For Neoliberal institutionalists, cooperation emerges because for actors having continuous interactions with each other it is in the self interest to cooperate. Institutions may affect the possibilities of cooperation but do not guarantee it. -ERI-KM p65
-Security is essential and institutions help make security possible - Institutions provide a guaranteed framework of interactions. - Democricies are pacific toward each other because norms and culture inhibit the leaders.; leaders hear from a multiplicity of voices. Also transna5tional and international institutions bind democracies together that dense networks which constrain behavior. - |
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| 03 | Constructivist Theories | . | State behavior shaped by elite beliefs, collective norms, and social identities | . | Better of describing the past than anticipating the future |
| 04 | Ofutay Kodjoe as interpreted from related quotes | Some believe High Politics = Security and Low politics = economics. Whose "High"?. In this case state would become a security production machine | |||
| 05 | Marxism | . | . | . | . |
| 07 | Divine-plan | . | . | . | . |
| 07.a | Divine-plan-State -Human-input | . | . | . | . |
| 09 | Total-Anarchy | . | . | . | . |
| 99 test of access data page vi intranet | zztest access via intranet for data page |