PLS 341: American Foreign Policy Theories in IR The Idea-Based -isms

2 / 12 Thus Far… On Friday, we discussed four realisms: –Classical Realism –Liberal Realism –Neorealism –Neoclassical Realism On Monday, we discussed many of the idealism theories

3 / 12 Today… Today, we will discuss some of the theories of International Relations that hold state action depends on common ideals and ideas –Constructivism –Marxism –Functionalism

4 / 12 Constructivism Realism deals mainly with security and material power Liberalism looks primarily at economic interdependence and domestic-level factors Constructivism most concerns itself with the role of ideas in shaping the international system

5 / 12 Constructivism Those ideas? –Goals, threats, fears, identities, and other elements of perceived reality that influence states and non-state actors within the system. Example: Who would be more threatened by a US military buildup? Canada or Cuba? Why? How would that reflect in their actions?

6 / 12 Constructivism Finally, constructivists do not see anarchy as the invariable foundation of the international system Anarchy is not inevitable We created it, and we can create its successor

7 / 12 Marxism One of the Critical Theories –Critical Theories focus on critiquing and changing society, as opposed to merely understanding it The focus is on economic concerns, on class The international system is a capitalist system whose purpose is accumulation (of wealth, power, etc.)

8 / 12 Marxism The system is based on two classes of people –The bourgeoisie own the means of production –The proletariat do not Economic power is also political power –If you hold the capital, you also hold the political power –The proletariat do not hold the power

9 / 12 Marxism (Central Ideas) Alienation –Separation of things that naturally belong together Class consciousness –Class becoming aware of its place in society Commodity Fetishism –Personal relationships become centered on capital Hegemonic Culture –The ideas of the age are the ideas of the rulers

10 / 12 Functionalism Focus on states sharing common interests and needs –Response to loss of state sovereignty (as caused by globalization) –States are no longer absolutely sovereign (interdependence) Functionalism proposed to replace realism with linked authorities and needs from the international system

11 / 12 Functionalism Emphasis on ‘low politics’ –Low politics are economics and social movements Dominant Goals of Actors –Peace and prosperity of the state, which requires peace and prosperity in other states Instruments of State Policy –Economic instruments used to further state policies International Organizations –Have a substantial role –They join the states together

12 / 12 Assignment Read Chapter 1 from the Chittick text This chapter explains how Chittick sees foreign policy decisions and lays out a structure of study It also tells us what Chittick thinks is most important in studying foreign policy