International Relations PSC 124.200: Introduction

Today Are you registered for this class? Digital pictures Overview of the syllabus Index cards Nau, preface and introduction Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

The question for this course Are international relations undergoing fundamental and irreversible changes? Is the international system shifting away from state-centrism? Are non-state actors effectively challenging states? Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Are you Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

What are international relations? Political: States, IGOs, and NGOs Traditional (states only): War, diplomacy, sanctions, foreign aid, military alliances, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) Non-traditional (including non-state actors): Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), terrorism, drug trade Economic: Multinational corporations (MNCs) Trade in goods, financial services, remittances, sanctions, drug trade Social/Cultural: Ideas and individuals Migration, tourism, professional organizations, human rights, adoptions, religion, etc. Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

From inter-national politics to global affairs? In the future? Actors: States, International organizations, business corporations, NGOs Issues: Trade, environment, global justice, development, etc. Principles: Interdependence and human rights Power based on: Capacity to cooperate; technologies to solve global problems In the past Actors: States Issues: War and Peace Principles: State sovereignty and self-interst Power based on: military strength and economic development PBS frontline (video selection) Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Why theories? Purpose of theories in international relations: Positivism: Explain and predict by reducing the complexity of reality (examples: Neorealism, Institutionalism). Normativism: Challenge reality with reference to normative standpoints/values and develop strategies of fundamental global change (examples: Feminism and gender equality; Marxism and class struggle; Idealism and human rights). Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Nau’s approach (preface) Theories and ‘facts’ Three perspectives: power, institutions, and ideas Three theories: realism, institutionalism, and constructivism (idealism) Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Chapter 1: Perspectives What do perspectives do? They help us reduce complexity and choose a specific lens (example: Darfur) Understand how leaders think Identify the primary causes of conflict Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Chapter 1: Levels of Analysis Individual level (first image): psychology of leaders Domestic level (second image): characteristics of the political system (example: democracy) International level (third image): character of the international system (example: anarchy) Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Chapter 1: Theories Realism: power struggles among states; solution: balance of power Institutionalism: self-interested cooperation among states; solution: regimes based on shared interests Constructivism (idealism, identity perspective): differences in identities; solution: shared norms Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz

Who, what, why, and how? Realism Institutionalism Constructivism What is the organizing principle? Anarchy Interdependence Norms/ideas Who are the main actors? States States/IGOs/NGOs What are their main goals? Survival/power (protect domestic population) Economic gain and cooperation (maximize domestic well-being) Solving global problems (maximize everyone’s well-being) What are the core capabilities? Military Technologic and economic Knowledge Wednesday, January 16, 2008 Hans Peter Schmitz