| 00 | Theory Name -Heading Field - sample | Purpose of Theory - definition - What is it trying to do | What factors account for Change and Stability in the system [How stable is it], | Detailed notes on system Change - points to consider
for test compare Wednt to Morgantheau, Waltz, Kaplan, Gilpen and Keohane. |
Note |
| 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 | support status quo or bipolar | .. | 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 ======================= |
| 01.0w | Neo-Realism, Structural Realism [Waltz brand] | 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; | Bi - Polar is most stable -Waltz;
When distribution of capabilities change, When there is systemic war = no stability |
There are transformation rules, Not all systems change the same way, Structure and norms of the system - Kaplan. | 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; Structural T gain plausibility if similarities of behavior are observed across realms that are different in substance but similar in structure, and differences in behavior are observed where realms are similar in substance but different in structure called by some as "technical; realism" Called by Keohane "Explanation through an examination on the structure of International system" |
| 01.k | Neo-realist ? Morton A. Kaplin | introductior Theory of international politics [systems approach..p382] | There are transformation rules, Not all systems change the same way, Structure and norms of the system - Kaplan.
System change when individuals not motivated or replaced to preform the roles and functions required to maintain system equilibrium |
tasks are those things that the actor needs to perform. They
are set for him by what (who) he is, by the situations in which he is embedded, and by his perceptions of these. They involve a multiplicity of interlinking roles within and between a diversity of social systems. Roles and functions on the other hand specify the behavior required to maintain the equilibrium of a particular (analytical) social system. They are performed to the extent that individuals within the system can be properly motivated or replaced; system change occurs when this is no longer possible] [Kaplan - Systems Approach p. 384] |
Theory of international politics normaly cannot be expected to predict individual actions because the interaction problem is too complex, and because there are too many free parameters. It can be expected, however, to predict characteristic or model behavior within a particular kind of international system - Kaplan [system approach p.383]
International systems with different alignment patterns et. Should manifest different behaviors…it should be possible both to give reasons for the differences (theory) and to relate the theories of different systems to different actual historical systems [p.383] system and subsystem in the international system have roles and these roles have different funtions depending upon whether they couple activity within the subsystems of a larger system or between system levels, Deviancy, accomodation, assimilation, conflict and other forms of change occur as the functions of the roles change in the various systemic topological economies..the possible inconsistencies of these role functions under changing parameter values lead to restructuring of some of the role functions in order to maintain others. If the dominant system can be found and its essential rules and transformation rules formulated, a long stride will be taken toward predicting the changes that the [actor] will attempt to make in the systems to which it is coupled and also within its own internal structure in order to maintain itself under changing boundary conditions.4 …tasks are those things that the actor needs to perform. They are set for him by what (who) he is, by the situations in which he is embedded, and by his perceptions of these. They involve a multiplicity of interlinking roles within and between a diversity of social systems. Roles and functions on the other hand specify the behavior required to maintain the equilibrium of a particular (analytical) social system. They are performed to the extent that individuals within the system can be properly motivated or replaced; system change occurs when this is no longer possible] [Kaplan - Systems Approach p. 384]. Differentiation of international systems merely bv number of actors ignores too manyother elements nf system structure be useful either theoreticallv or descriptively. … Too many other parameters that influence. [kaplan 385] The models employed in System and Process utilize five sets of variables: the essential rules, the transformation rules, the actor classificatory variables, the capability variables, and the information variables. The essential rules of the systems state the behavior necessary to maintain equilibrium in the system—thus they are essential. The transformation rules state the changes that occur in the system as inputs across the boundary of the system that differ from those required for equilibrium They movethe system toward instability orthe stability of a new system. Actor clasification varibles specifythe structure charistics of actors. [nation state, "allience", "international organizations" -behavior differs as consequence fo structural characteristics. P 387-388 In all systems studied so far, the actors who threatened the stability of the system were subsystem dominant and directive p.402. |
| 02.rk | Neo-Liberal -Realism-Modified Structural Hybrid - Robert O Keohane -multidimensional approach=Institutional Liberalism | incorporate several analytical frameworks or research programs. Includes balance of Power where useful to understand. NAIC Keohane, p3 | 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 =Regiem & system change | 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). | - 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 |
| 03 | Constructivist Theories -Theory of Int'l Politics which works on both the micro and macro level -Wednt | Develop a theory of international system as social constructivism. Account for identity and intersts, show how they come to problemitize identity of states. Bring Order and predictability to world politics. | Change based on internal and external.
When trying to explain internat Pol: agent and structure have equal causal capacity.give equal weight: agent and structure. Structure change when actors redefine who they are and what they want. |
socially constructed affected by state behavior, identity and interest.
Ordering principle depends on intersubjectivity -Wednt p.85. Structuration Theory = Solution to agent structure problem = Mutual Constituted or co-determined entities. [and identities] p.317? Structure and agents co-determine each other Wednt. P. 350 Belief in Structuration theory is based on Scientific Realism (effects based on unobservables and __________). Therfore when trying to explain international Politics agent and structure have equal causal capacity Have to give equal weight to agent and structure. More powerful the actors ; more entrenched culture, difficult to change; Change difficult but possible Changed can be caused by change in collective identity. Process of changing the nature of identity: 4 variables: Interdependance, Self Restraint; Common Fate; Homogenizations |
What: a theory of International Politics which works on both a micro and macro level. An approach to understand states identity, how they develop and change.
Assumptions: 1. Human beings and their organization are purposefull actors whose actions help to produce or transform the society in which they live. 2. Society is made up of social relationships between actors. 3. Properties of actors and of social structures are both relevent to explanation of social behavior. Structuration Theory = Solution to agent structure problem = Mutual Constituted or co-determined entities. Structure and agents co-determine each other Wednt. P. 350 Belief in Structuration theory is based on Scientific Realism (effects based on unobservables and __________). Therfore when trying to explain international Politics agent and structure have equal causal capacity Have to give equal weight to agent and structure. |
| 03.a | Constructivist? - Robert Gilpen-Power TransitionTheory? | .. | .. | .. | Possible to identify recurrrent paterns, comon elements, and general tendencies in the major turning points in international History. International Political Change is the result of efforts of actors to change the international system in order to advance their own interests" however these intersts may be defined (security, economic gain, ideological goals [war & Change p.3 &10
State will attempt to change the international system if the expected benefits exceed the expected costs (i.e. if ther is an expected net gain) [War and Change p.10] "The differential growth of power of the various states in the system causes a fundamantal redistribution of power in the system"[W&C p.13] |