International Relations Theory- Images Realism Pluralism Globalism

Actors in international relations States Nonstate actors Transnational organizations Intergovernmental organizations

Distinctions between these images Key actors/units-analytical units Assumptions Methodologies Construction and testing of hypothesis Behavioral dynamic issues

Realism States are the key units of analysis States are unitary actors State is essentially a rational actor National security is the most important international issue

Pluralism/Liberalism Nonstate actors are also important in IR State is not a unitary actor Challenge the utility of the rationality assumption Agenda of international politics is extensive, cannot be deduced only to security

Globalism Main unit of analysis is the global context in which states interact International relations have to viewed from a historical perspective Mechanisms of domination/dependency between the actors Emphasize the critical importance of economic factors

Levels of Analysis Individual Level analysis State Level analysis International System/system level analysis

Individual level analysis Personality of the leaders Perceptions/misperceptions Groupthink Health of the leaders Frustration-aggression thesis

State level analysis Nationalism Type of a political system-democracy or dictatorship Bureaucratic decision making Public opinion Domestic factors

System level Alliance formation Distribution of power Bargaining Wars/systemic change

Trends Global interdependence Changing nature of problems Crisis of authority

Interdependence Sensitivity Changes in one actor might influence change in another actor-assume more or less equal distribution of power Vulnerability Changes in one actor causes significant change in another actor-dependent relationship

International relations theories Rationalist approaches realism institutionalism Sociological approaches constructivism

State Interests Security Economy Identity

State :Definition Sovereignty Political equality Diplomatic recognition Territoriality Well defined population