Hammering Out (and In) Theories Kimberly Weir Northern Kentucky University Part 1 1.Explain basics of each theory. 2.Assign two authors’ writings related to each theory. 3.Have students identify and cite the source of ideas from each author that relate 4 different tenets. 4.Discuss their findings. 5.Spend 1-3 days discussing how readings relate to the tenets of each theory. Part 2 1.Assign a current events article or case study. 2.Break students up into 6 groups—2 groups per theory. 3.Each group is responsible for explaining the situation from their theoretical perspective. 4.Each group must also defend why their theory best explains the situation. 5.Then have students explain the situation using the other theories and identify holes in those explanations. 6.Put the two similar groups together to see if they came up with similar explanations and defenses. 7.Have each group explain the situation from their perspective, then cross-examine one another. Source: Adapted from Blake, David H. and Walters, Robert S. (1987) The Politics of Global Economic Relations, 3rd. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. Adaptations and additions to this matrix were made by Mark A. Boyer and Robert A. Denemark. Concept RealismLiberalismMarxism Theory Variants Neorealism, Mercantilism (in IPE)Neoliberalism, Idealism, Neoinstitutionalism NeoMarxism, Dependencia Theory, World Systems Theory Basic Premise International relations dominated by states acting in own self-interest International relations benefit from cooperation among multiple actors International relations structured and dictated by classes struggling for economic control Influential Philosophers Thomas Hobbes, Hans MorganthauJean-Jacques Rousseau, Woodrow WilsonKarl Marx & Friedrich Engels, V.I. Lenin Basic Tenets 1)States are the primary actors 2)States are unitary, rational actors 3)Relations are zero-sum 4)Relations are power struggles 5)National interest drives relations 1)Multiple actors matter 2)Relations can be positive sum 3)Relations are based on more than just power struggles 4)Zero-sum relations benefit the wealthy 1)Relations are system based, zero-sum where the rich oppress the poor 2)Relations are based on class struggle 3)Capitalism is the primary mode of production 4)Relations are driven by economic factors 5)States and international organizations are tools of the oppressor Primary Actor(s) Self-interested statesStates, IGOs, NGOs, MNCsOwners of capital Primary Motivation for Relations Self-help in chaotic systemCooperative, collaborativeExploitative View of Human Nature PessimisticOptimisticPessimistic View of the International System States in chaotic, competitive system Cooperation is beneficial to greatest number of people System structure perpetuates disparities between rich and poor Ultimate Goal in Relations Stability and self-preservationCooperation for mutual benefit Amass more wealth (for wealthy) or revolution (for poor) Concept Mercantilist(Neo)LiberalMarxist Basic Value Maximum growth in national economy Maximum growth in national and global economy Progression toward a classless society; end of exploitation Distribution of Benefits Zero-sum: favoring powerfulPositive sumZero-sum: favoring wealthy Inherent Conflict in System Large amount due to competitionMinimal; states see value of cooperation Very large - recurrent crises; dialectic nature of system Persistent Cleavages National conflict is foundation of system; cleavages if more than one state NoneRich vs. Poor Obstacle to National Goals Not enough national power relative to others Irrational state policies Capitalist dominance of domestic and global economies Attitude Toward IOs Irrelevant or IOs as national tools Facilitators of cooperation; can establish and oversee rules and norms in system Provision of infrastructure for rich to oppress the poor Main Characteristics of Economic Order Competition and pursuit of national interest and power Sovereign and autonomous states with wide decision latitude; states involved in positive sum collaboration Hierarchical - hierarchy of classes primary; also dominant and dependent states Preferred Means of Resource Allocation Government control through values market if works to state advantage in system Free market Until capitalism completely dies, state administers; thereafter socially equitable classless distribution w/o state Relationship of Economics & Politics Politics drives economicsShould be separated as much as possibleEconomics determines politics Introduction to International PoliticsInternational Political Economy