International Relations Sachin.B.V Assistant Professor Department of Political Science

Are you Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

What are international relations? Political: States, IGOs, and NGOs Traditional (states only): War, diplomacy, sanctions, foreign aid, military alliances, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) Non-traditional (including non-state actors): Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), terrorism, drug trade Economic: Multinational corporations (MNCs) Trade in goods, financial services, remittances, sanctions, drug trade Social/Cultural: Ideas and individuals Migration, tourism, professional organizations, human rights, adoptions, religion, etc. Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

From inter-national politics to global affairs? In the future? Actors: States, International organizations, business corporations, NGOs Issues: Trade, environment, global justice, development, etc. Principles: Interdependence and human rights Power based on: Capacity to cooperate; technologies to solve global problems In the past Actors: States Issues: War and Peace Principles: State sovereignty and self-interst Power based on: military strength and economic development PBS frontline (video selection) Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Why theories? Purpose of theories in international relations: Positivism: Explain and predict by reducing the complexity of reality (examples: Neorealism, Institutionalism). Normativism: Challenge reality with reference to normative standpoints/values and develop strategies of fundamental global change (examples: Feminism and gender equality; Marxism and class struggle; Idealism and human rights). Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Nau’s approach (preface) Theories and ‘facts’ Three perspectives: power, institutions, and ideas Three theories: realism, institutionalism, and constructivism (idealism) Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Chapter 1: Perspectives What do perspectives do? They help us reduce complexity and choose a specific lens (example: Darfur) Understand how leaders think Identify the primary causes of conflict Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Chapter 1: Levels of Analysis Individual level (first image): psychology of leaders Domestic level (second image): characteristics of the political system (example: democracy) International level (third image): character of the international system (example: anarchy) Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Chapter 1: Theories Realism: power struggles among states; solution: balance of power Institutionalism: self-interested cooperation among states; solution: regimes based on shared interests Constructivism (idealism, identity perspective): differences in identities; solution: shared norms Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Who, what, why, and how? Realism Institutionalism Constructivism What is the organizing principle? Anarchy Interdependence Norms/ideas Who are the main actors? States States/IGOs/NGOs What are their main goals? Survival/power (protect domestic population) Economic gain and cooperation (maximize domestic well-being) Solving global problems (maximize everyone’s well-being) What are the core capabilities? Military Technologic and economic Knowledge Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz