1. Foundations of International Relations

2. Keep in mind International Relations is theoretically state based The United States has dominated the Western Hemisphere since the end of the Spanish Empire Only after WWII did the United States end its isolationism and engage with Europe

3. Int’l Relations Background Historically, political scientists studied and commented on their own governments. – Confucius “Analects” – Plato “The Republic” In the 1500’s the study of “Political Economy” turned to how states cooperate and compete for resources and power

4. Three Major theories of IR Realists- think people will follow their self interest in most cases (Machiavelli) Idealists- think people will live by their common principles in most cases (Jefferson) Constructionists- think people will react based on their experience (Wendt)

5. Machiavelli Machiavelli's The Prince provided the Medici family (Florence, Italy) with advice. To get and maintain power is the primary duty of “The Prince” Morality (good and bad) are relative to the needs of “The Prince” Book banned by the Pope

6. Effects of The Prince Following the successes of Florence, 1600’s monarchs increased their powers over government and moved towards despotism. Absolute monarchs (like George III) built “nations” around a common language, religion and royal cults of personality

7. Realism in the Early United States American revolution against despotism and George III tempered realism in government Idealistic Patriots severely limited the powers of government based on their belief in popular sovereignty for citizens. However, realism still dictated treatment of non-citizens (slaves, natives, women, minors)

8. Washington’s Farewell Address “The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible…Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation… It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.” Washington’s isolationism withdrew the US from most international relations.

9. US foreign relations in the early 1800’s Louisiana Purchase doubles the size of the US, sets precedent for purchase expansion War of 1812-US fight British over impressments of US sailors. Monroe Doctrine (1823) closed Americas to further colonization Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and Gadsden Purchase expands US to Pacific Alaska Purchase from Russia secured far north

10. Ending Isolationism in the USA USA expands across oceans during Spanish- American War, taking Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines as territories (1899) Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great White Fleet” tours world to assert American power (1908) Military and Political Victories gradually coaxed Americans towards engagement with the wider world until the end of WWI

11. World War I United States tries to avoid European war, but eventually violates neutrality and supports Allies. American soldiers key to victory, but return shredded- nation fails to support veterans. Woodrow Wilson proposes moderate penalties for Germany, “14 Points” and a League of Nations to secure European peace. Wilson is ignored by Europeans and rejected by Americans for his idealism.

12. Summary