Perspectives on International Politics Pt. I Professor McGill Spring 2014
What we ll cover Looking at the world: How do we see it? Major perspectives of international relations Three dominant views: Realism Liberalism Marxism How each views the nature of people and how states interact with each other It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. ~Niccolo Machiavelli
Basics of Realism According to realism, states work only to increase their own power relative to that of other states. Realism also claims the following: The world is a harsh and dangerous place. The only certainty in the world is power. A powerful state will always be able to outdo and outlast weaker competitors. The most important and reliable form of power is military power. A state s primary interest is self-preservation. Therefore, the state must seek power and must always protect itself There is no overarching power that can enforce global rules or punish bad behavior. (Anarchy) Moral behavior is very risky because it can undermine a state s ability to protect itself. The international system itself drives states to use military force and to war. Leaders may be moral, but they must not let moral concerns guide foreign policy. International organizations and law have no power or force; they exist only as long as states accept them.
Major Realist Thinkers Thuycides Greek historian whose writings represent some of the earliest expressions of realist thoughts. Hans Morgenthau One of the most influential exponents of a realist approach to international politics George Kennan American diplomat and Russian/Soviet expert. In policy terms, was influential in shaping the United States Cold War policy of containment.
Liberalism, Idealism, and Liberal Internationalism Liberalism views people as essentially rational, ethical, and moral creatures capable of controlling their baser impulses.
Basics of Liberalism Liberalism emphasizes that the broad ties among states have both made it difficult to define national interest and decreased the usefulness of military power. Liberalism developed in the 1970s as some scholars began arguing that realism was outdated. Increasing globalization, the rapid rise in communications technology, and the increase in international trade meant that states could no longer rely on simple power politics to decide matters. Liberal approaches to international relations are also called theories of complex interdependence. Liberalism claims the following: The world is a harsh and dangerous place, but the consequences of using military power often outweigh the benefits. International cooperation is therefore in the interest of every state. Military power is not the only form of power. Economic and social power matter a great deal too. Exercising economic power has proven more effective than exercising military power. Different states often have different primary interests. International rules and organizations can help foster cooperation, trust, and prosperity.
Harmony of Interests A central element of liberal thought emphasizes the existence of common interests among people and nations. This contrasts with the conservative assumption of the inevitability of social conflict.
Marxism Social theory emphasizing the importance of class conflict for understanding social relations, including international politics.
Marx s Influences Industrial revolution 60 to 70-hour workweeks, Children worked alongside adults for low wages. No child labor laws Workers lived in slums and tenements, not comfortable suburbs. No overtime, and no paid vacations. No laws and regulations to ensure that factories had fire exits and clean drinking water. No health insurance, from government or an employer. No unemployment insurance, no worker s compensation, no retirement accounts Things were terrible for the worker!
The Basics of Marxism Marxism is the division of the world based on economic status, rather than political motivations Class division and conflict are the defining features of capitalist society Bourgeoisie - The economic class that controls the means of production Proletariat - Those people who sell their labor to those who own the means of production. The working class Marx believed the relationship not only unequal but exploitive Non-neutrality of the state Contention that the state or government inevitably serves, protects, and advances the interests of those with economic power Marxists view reforms of capitalism as minor crumbs to placate the working class and prevent revolution How can we view international relations through a Marxist perspective?
Marxism on the International Relations Level The international system as a whole is also conceptualized in class terms. The rich and the poor countries. The Core and the Periphery States The core is the small group of wealthy and powerful states exploiting the larger group of weak and impoverished states on the periphery)
Next week: Part II See you then!