One World Many Theories RealismNeo-Realism LiberalismNeo-Liberal Institutionalism Democratic Peace Theory Two-Level Games Constructivism Feminist Theory Marxism Dependency Theory

World War I

Three Levels of Analyses  Third Image: Structural causes of WWI  Second Image: Domestic politics causes  First Image: The role of leadership, decision- making

Balance of Power Politics  BOP: description of distribution of power between states –Unipolar system: Hegemony –Bipolar system –Multipolar system  Conscious policy intended to achieve BOP through –Arms build up –Alliances: align with the weaker side –Divide and rule: territorial compensations; spheres of influence

Power  Ability to influence –Through threats and reward: hard power –Through attraction: soft power  Control over resources –Arms, population, economy, technology, information, etc.

BOP in Europe: 19 th century  Concert of Europe:  German Unification: 1870 –Change in the distribution of power  Otto von Bismarck: German Chancellor,

Balance of Power and WWI  Rise of German power  Rigid alliances trying to balance each other –Triple Entente –Triple Alliance  Perceptions about the inevitability of war

Second Image Causes  Nationalism –Austria-Hungarian empire internally challenges –Balancing through territorial re-distribution more difficult  Diversion from domestic problems –Rye and Iron coalition  Militarism –Military hawks; the Sclieffen Plan; advantage of the offensive  Imperialism?

First Image: Individuals  Incompetent leadership? –Franz Josef – “tired old man” –Nicholas II – domestic isolation, incompetent ministers –Kaiser William II – “neurotic,” sense of inferiority  Could the war be averted by more capable leadership?

What did realist, liberal, and constructivist approaches add to understanding WWI?

Which Factors Do You Consider Most Significant in Explaining WWI?  Alliance system  Public opinion  Economic considerations  Military doctrine  Leadership  Misperception  Other