The Lessons of the World Wars Learning Objectives: Be familiar with the consequences of both wars Understand the impact of both wars on our theoretical understanding of international politics

The Lessons of WWI 1. War is THE problem 2. The Security Dilemma and Arms Races 3. Abolish war and change the system

Abolishing War Idealism WWI caused by bad practices: – Power politics – Secret alliances – Arms races

Abolishing War Idealism Abolish war by: – Diplomacy and compromise – Developing international institutions (League of Nations) – Arms control (1922 Washington Naval Treaty; 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact) – Collective Security

Interwar Developments The Treaty of Versailles (reparations and resentment) US Isolationism Great Depression Rise of Fascism, Communism

The Lessons of WWII 1. War is still THE problem 2. The danger of “appeasement” 3. Si vis pacem para bellum (If you want peace prepare for war) 4. The danger of US isolationism, protectionism, and punishment 5. The rise of Realism