Political Science 10:Introduction to International Relations

Trends

Actors

Perspectives

Concepts

International Relations or International Politics

International Relations – refers to relations among states.

PoliticalSocial

International Politics – focuses on choices made by actors with authority to decide on issues external to states or that cross boundaries of state jurisdiction.

EconomicCultural

Other interactions

World or Global Politics

Both terms are the same, are favored by those who emphasize the multidimensional or pluralist nature of IR today, which include states, international and nongovernmental, transnational organizations, other groups, and individuals.The focus is on the physical security of the state, and environmental, human rights, and demographic issues.

Key Terms and Trends

Globalization - refers to increased interactions across state boundaries.Interdependence - refers to a situation where actions in one part of the world affect people in other parts of the world.

While interdependence is not a new phenomenon, global interdependence is. Examples are found in the economic realm by multinational corporations, such as Microsoft; in the social realm by rapid information technology, such as cable news and satellite television; and in the strategic realm by intercontinental missiles and other weapons of mass destruction.

Crisis of Authority – refers to a loss of legitimacy on the part of a government or other actor. A result may be the breakdown of order as people refuse to follow the order of those who claim to be in positions of authority.

Authority simply means that someone has a legitimate right to lead. Along with global interdependence, an increase in ethnic conflict and cynicism about the role of leaders is leading to a weakening of leaders' ability to be authoritative.

Key Terms and Trends

Globalization Crises of Authority

STATES

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

TRANSNATIONAL (NONGOVERNMENTAL)

ORGANIZATIONS AND MOVEMENTS

INDIVIDUALS

SECURITY

ECONOMY

IDENTITY

International Relations & World Politics

Three important concepts:Security - the protection and survival of the state. Economy – deals with monetary issues such as production and consumption of goods. Identity - answers the question "Who am I?“

These three issues are the principle issues in world politics as well as individuals' lives.

ACTORS

States – geographic entities "governed by a central authority, whose leaders claim to represent all persons within its territory."

States are traditionally seen as the most important actors in world politics. States possess military power, and while there are often struggles for power within a state, the state never goes away.

Key Terms and Topics

International Organization (IOs or IGOs) - also play a role in global politics. IOs are groups created by two or more states in order to achieve a common goal. Examples of IOs:

the United NationsNATO.

IOs have drastically increased in number over the past 100 years. There is debate over whether IOs simply pursue state interests or whether they have interests of their own. Their main importance is in the establishment of global norms, or values that states take seriously.

Key Terms and Topics

Transnational nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) - also play a role in international politics. NGOs are made up of non-state actors that cross international borders.

Four categories of NGOs: multinational corporations (such as Microsoft)NGOs with political agendas (such as Amnesty International)NGOs that avoid political roles (Doctors without Borders)and terrorists and criminal networks.

Key Terms and Topics

INDIVIDUALS. Individual human beings make a difference:

Mahatma Gandhi in IndiaNelson Mandela in South AfricaOsama bin LadenChiefs of State, i.e. current and former presidents, prime ministers, dictators

Individuals, not States, decide to go to war or engage in genocide.

Images in World Politics

Three main images in international relations are realism, liberalism (pluralism), and economic structuralism.

Realism has been the dominant image in world politics throughout most of history. Realists view the world as naturally conflictual.Competition is a key part of the international system. Although realists recognize IOs and NGOs, they still view the state as key, ultimately controlling all other actors. The idea of anarchy, or lack of a superior power, is very important to realism.

Pluralists view the world as a variety of actors. States are key actors, but others are also influential. Global civil society is a term that describes the interaction of states and other actors in a non-conflictual manner. Economic Structuralism focus on relations of dominance in society in the form of economic structures, national or global.

Images in World Politics

Together, these three images provide a framework for looking at global politics and asking questions about the international system.

Images in World Politics

Together, these images provide a framework for looking at global politics and asking questions about the international system. Other views of the international system:

The English SchoolSocial ConstructivismFeminism

International Relations Glossary List:

AnarchyNormative Theory Sovereignty

Concepts in International Relations:

Levels of analysisIndividual LevelGroup Level

State & Societal LevelInternational Level

Autarky

Assessment – How much do you understand?

1. Which of the following is NOT a level of analysis discussed in the book?A. internationalB. societalC. psychologicalD. individual

Assessment – How much do you understand?

2. Which of the following is NOT an international organization?A. NATOB. United NationsC. World Health OrganizationD. Greenpeace

Assessment – How much do you understand?

3. Which of the following terms best describes Amnesty International?A. none of these answersB. nongovernmental organizationC. international organizationD. multinational corporation

Assessment – How much do you understand?

4. Anarchy as used in international politics is best defined asA. cooperation amongst equal states.B. an unequal distribution of power.C. the lack of a central authority.D. chaos.

Assessment – How much do you understand?

5. Which of the following is traditionally considered the most important in studying international relations?A. statesB. individualsC. armiesD. alliances

Assessment – How much do you understand?

6. Interactions between actors and their environments is a key part of which perspective of international relations?A. economic structuralismB. realismC. liberal internationalismD. social constructivism

Assessment – How much do you understand?

7. Which of the following does NOT lead to interdependence?A. trade integrationB. military technologyC. autarkyD. satellite news

Assessment – How much do you understand?

8. Which level of analysis is most important from the pluralist perspective?A. groupB. stateC. internationalD. individual

Key Terms and Topics

There is some linkage between the concepts of crises of authority and interdependence.

Less-developed countries tend to get left behind in global economic interdependence.

Interdependence is not felt equally around the world. Also, the spread of information leads to dissatisfaction.

As individuals in poorer countries hear about the wealth and success of the United States and other developed states, crisis of authority takes hold.