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Intensive Readings in International Relations Fall 2006 Peking University Instructor: Ji Mi ( 吉宓)
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Theories of International Relations Realism Liberalism Radical approaches/critical theory
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Realism Main strands classical realism neorealism (structural realism) modified realism hegemonic stability theory
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Realism: Origins Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War Hobbes Leviathan Machiavelli The Prince Richelieu Carl von Clausewitz
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Classical Realism International Relations “is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature” The key consideration is the concept of interest defined in terms of power The moral aspirations of a particular nation are not moral laws that govern the universe.
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Classical Realism (questions related to text) E. H. Carr Hans Morgenthau Why do states fight wars? -- States, like human beings, have an innate desire to dominate others. Which type of international system is more stable, a multipolar one or a bipolar one according to classical realism? -- a classical, multipolar balance of power system
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Neorealism International politics as a system with a precisely defined structure State as unitary actor(no assumptions about human nature, morality) The primary characteristic of the system is anarchy Security is the primary concern, power is the means to ensure security
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Neorealism (questions related to text) According to Waltz, what is the primary nature of the international system? Anarchy Which type of international system is more stable, bipolar or multipolar, according to Waltz? a bipolar one According to the offense-defense argument, what is the major concern of states in the international system? Their own Security: states merely seek to survive
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Realism Modified Realism Balance of Threat (Stephen Walt) Realist Theory in International Political Economy Hegemonic Stability Theory
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Liberalism Main strands economic liberalism political liberalism pluralist liberalism liberal institutionalism (neoliberal theory)
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Liberalism: Origins Kant Rousseau Francisco de Victoria, Hugo Grotius, John Locke Woodrow Wilson
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Liberalism The liberal tradition: Almost all strands are optimistic about the prospect of peace and cooperation among states, but the reasons vary markedly. Political institutions, Ideology Economic exchanges, market forces Intergovernmental institutions
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Neoliberalism (liberal institutionalism) Accept realist assumptions about Anarchy Concern for security International politics as systemic analysis Yet prospect for cooperation is optimistic International institutions
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Fundamental divide between realism and liberalism Why do realism and liberalism have differing estimates about the prospect of war and peace in the international system? Relative gain vs. absolute gain
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Constructivism A Social theory applied to IR Constructivism in IR is not a postmodern theory, but a positivist project Ideational/normative variables vs. material variables Identity (source of interests): relational, intersubjective, subject to redefinition Anarchy is what states make of it (Hobbesian anarchy vs. Lockean anarchy) Constructivism as an analytical method and language (constructivism vs. rationalism)
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English translations of key foreign policy terms Five principles of peaceful coexistence Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity Mutual non-aggression Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs Equality and mutual benefit Peaceful coexistence Independent foreign policy of peace ( 独立自 主的和平外交政策)
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Politics Among Nations (Hans Morgenthau) Questions for review : 1.According to Morgenthau, what are the main steps in studying international politics from a realist perspective? 2.Morgenthau’s approach is sometimes described as an “inside-out” one. Could you cite an example (examples ) from the text that points to such a methodological inclination?
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