PSC 124.200: Introduction International Relations
Dec 23, 2015
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
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 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)
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
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 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