PO400: Unit 2 The Historical Evolution of International Politics

International Politics The development of a system of sovereign states in Western Europe The spread of this system throughout the world Balance of power Nation-state Imperialism

Treaty of Westphalia Result of the Thirty Years War Result of the Thirty Years War Treaty of Westphalia: Treaty of Westphalia: Recognized the existence and defined the rights of sovereign states Recognized the existence and defined the rights of sovereign states Sovereignty Internal Internal External External Pluralism: Pluralism: In religious terms In religious terms In political terms  multi-polar system In political terms  multi-polar system Recognition Recognition External reorganization by other sovereign states External reorganization by other sovereign states  International relations is STATE-centered.

Balance of power Anarchy remains no central ruler or government above individual sovereign states Peace maintained through balance of power A fact and a policy Distribution of capabilities not necessarily equal Hegemon Unipolar Bipolar Multipolar Counterbalance: Does not imply peace, but rather a stability maintained by means of recurring wars that adjust power relations  redistribution of power Collective security Alliance Deterrence Arms race US: unipolarity without hegemony?

Nation-State and Nationalism What is a nation? Groups of people living in a single state share commonalities. Imagined community (Benedict Anderson) Us vs. them Nationalism: devotion to the interests of one’s own nation over others National self-determination Issue: the political boundary of nation-state Does nation creates state or vice versa? Why was the idea of nationalism so appealing?

Imperialism Forms: Direct political and military control Indirect control through economic dependence (core vs. peripheries) Economic explanation Nationalist explanation Social Darwinism and racism Kipling’s "The White Man’s Burden"

Unintended Consequences of European Nationalism Nationalist movements in colonies worldwide Self-determination was the goal and the struggle for independence often was long and brutal. Lingering effect of colonial exploitation Nationalism remains one of the most important factor in IR till today Examples?

Key words State Sovereignty Balance of power Distribution of capabilities Alliance Collective security Deterrence Arms race Nation-State Nationalism National self determination Imperialism

Assignment You are E.T. Main task: document the development of the modern international system and the rise of the nation state Identify and detail the main points in the development of the modern state system Examples Lesson learned Use electronic libraries/databases for research purposes At least three unique sources for your information. Methodology: Detail how you know these sources are reliable List the key terms you used in your search Cite your sources