Gov 312L Exam 3
17.1 What are institutions? What is the difference between institutions and organizations? What are some examples of institutions in domestic and international politics?
"Institutions are the rules of the game in a society or, more formally, are the humanly devised constraints that shape human interaction. They structure "incentive" in human interactions Organizations (the actors can contain institutions but are not rules but rather are actors. Some organizations are created to promote the institutional norm. ie WTO created to institution of no trade barriers. -Examples: institution= US Constitution; organization=Congress Intl Institution: chemical weapon treaty or sovereignty Organization= NATO or United Nations
22.12 How might a future President Biden reverse President Trump's decisions on the Paris climate accord? Why would other countries potentially question the stability of the U.S. commitment to the agreement of a Democratic president reenters the Paris accord?
-Biden could reapply to the UN to rejoin the Paris Agreement and be reinstated within 30 days. -If Biden uses Executive Orders, they are vulnerable to reversal again. -Dem. do not Control all of congress so doing it through law is less likely.
23.8 How does international migration intersect with national security? According to your reading for this module, how does international migration present challenges for national security but also resources that can enhance a country's security?
-Challenge security:-Immigration raises fears of infiltration by terrorists through lack of regulation-Leads to calls for stricter control/regulation of access through borders, especially of refugees and migrants from countries experiencing war (Trump travel ban) -Enhance security:Accepting migrants increases security by improving relations with other nations by taking in their migrants, or pressuring adversaries by taking in the refugees the adversaries oppressed
INN5.2 How is the growth of Chinese military and economic power threatening to the United States? And how is the growth of US military capabilities threatening to China?
-China's ability to respond militarily makes it more of a super power at the negotiating table. Their economic strength means they can risk tensions with the US and fund their military growth. China wants to control the South China Seas which is a HUGE economic zone for transportation. Cyber hacking is a real threat to US. *Threatens the Status Quo, destabilizing force in international system. -The US is able to use military capabilities to defend the Status Quo, PEACE, in the region. If China becomes too aggressive, US is there to respond. Bases in Okanowa, S. Korea and Guam. US seen as destabilizing force, trying to force democracy on the region in Hong Kong and Taiwan in particular (ex. Iraq and Afghanistan)
20.6 What emergency actions did the Federal Reserve undertake to help prevent a broader global financial crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic?
-Fed drops Fed Funds Target Rate (overnight rate to banks) •Fed. increased assets from 4.1 Trillion on Feb 2020 to 6.1 on April 9 by buying bonds •Buying mortgage backed securities; corporate debt; making loans to businesses smaller than 10k employees; loans to state and local governments; and debt collateralized with student loans, auto loans •Buys these assets by creating reserves for the financial institutions that sell them to the Fed -Creating deposits or (electronic) money •Doing this to encourage private financial institutions to continue lending in this crisis
17.7 What is interstate cooperation? What are some of the primary impediments state face when trying to reach cooperative settlements with each other?
-Interstate cooperation: occurs when a collection of states subordinate their sovereignty in order to establish a supranational set of rules that governs conduct between them to achieve a desirable outcome for all states involved -Impediments states face trying to reach cooperative settlements: -Collective action problem: when everyone agrees about the benefits of a common goal, but no one will pay to realize that goal -Free rider problem-Many actors would much rather avoid costs that come with reaching a cooperative settlement -Sometimes there is a lack of rules or a lack of enforcement of the rules placed to avoid the free rider problem -The problem of distributing the burden of collective goods provision can activate intense struggles among interested parties, -There are some winners and some losers; in a perfect world, nobody would lose but that isn't the case so those on the losing side would want to push back
INN6.4 What role do economic sanctions play in the Iran Nuclear Deal? What are some of the strategic risks associated with relaxing them? How does the possibility of eliminating sanctions shape domestic politics in Iran?
-Limiting their oil sales around the world so reduced revenue for Iran -Limiting the sale of products to Iran hurting the general population. -Sanctions are used as incentive to bring Iran to the negotiating table. -Risks: They will have the revenue from oil exports to fund future development of a nuclear weapon. Iran wont adhere to the terms of the deal. Prisoner's Dilemma, if the US relaxes sanctions, Iran would benefit more by defecting from the agreement and sustaining nuclear weapons. -Dom. prob. in Iran: Hardliners do not want their enrichement program stopped. Others around Pres. Rouhani want sanctions lifted for economic reasons but makes him politically vulnerable. Iran is negotiating with the US which is unreliable and demostrated commitment issues
22.11 Describe how President Obama's use of executive orders to commit to the Paris climate accord made the U.S. commitment to the agreement vulnerable. Describe how President Trump undermined the Paris climate accord when he came into office and then withdrew the U.S. from the agreement.
-Obamas exec. order is vulnerable, bc it can be reversed by the next president a."Clean power plan" reduce emissions by 25-28% of 2005 levels>LessCoal, govt. incentives for renewable energy Trump undermined: -Said PA was bad deal for US economy; called for more oil drilling and protections for coal industry, would end environ. regulations if elected Trump in office: -Recinded the Clean power plan -Political division bw leaving PA and possibly losing political strength globally or staying and just committing to a better NDC(nationally determined contribution) -Officially stated he would withdraw in Nov. 2017 but rules laid out by UN required 3yr commitment and then 1 yr waiting period. So earliest removal is Nov. 4 2020
22.8 Which group of countries will be the recipients of foreign aid under the Paris Climate Accord? How did this aid help facilitate the construction of this international agreement? And how might this aid help countries fulfill their emission targets?
-The recipients are the developing countries. BRIC=Brazil,Russia,India,China -This helps with poorer countries who would have a bigger economic burden than developed world. -Has $100 billion in "climate finance" to help developing countries find ways to break out of poverty through development without contributing to climate change.
INN6.3 What are some of the examples or varieties of a commitment problem that is limiting the strategic incentives associated with sustaining the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA)?
-Trump pulling out of deal in 2018, showing the debate within political parties in the US. Said the deal allowed Iran too many resources to support militia activity and nuclear program and this is a threat to US and Allies in the region. -Not being able to trust Iran in upholding the agreements in JCPOA. -Iran not adhereing to their part of the deal for political strength in the region. -Israel wants a Iran to not have nuclear capability. Their lack of trust is a problem.
23.1 What are the main differences between voluntary and forced migration?
-Voluntary migration •Legal vs. illegal or undocumented migration -Forced migration •Refugees •Human trafficking
18.6 Describe some of the efforts by the United States to promote democracy around the world. What are the political challenges associated with American efforts to promote democracy? What are the benefits and drawbacks associated with promoting democracy around the world?
-Woodrow Wilson promoted participaing in WWI to spread democracies and successfully transitioned Germany after WWI. -After WWII, during Cold War, under the guise of Dem.Prom. the US really enacted on a communism containment program. Supported dictators, Shah in Iran and Pinochet in Chile, bc they were anti communist. -After Cold War Democracy promotion in true sense back on. Clinton in Yugoslavia to stop genocide, Bush in Iraq to remove Hussein, using military force. Using force has been unpopular in countries that view it as overstepping their sovereignty, very expensive, loss of Am. lives, does not guarantee adoption of democracy. Internally, political popularity of US going to war for dem. promotion has waned. Obama withdrew long term troop commitments in Iraq and Syria. Trump America First is a departure from dem. promotion.
19.2 What is the Ricardian model of trade? Describe the processes by which it suggests that trade and specialization can increase aggregate national income.
-states that globalization helps to raise national income through specialization and trade. -Ricardo used the principle of comparative advantage to illustrate how international trade could generate economic benefits. -These gains from trade stem from differences in the relative efficiency of individuals, firms, or whole economies in the production of some mix of goods
22.5 What are the three different distributional struggles related to the problem of climate change?
1) Distributional struggle within countries -Coal versus solar; Oil versus general public 2) Distributional struggle among countries -Developed (US/Europe) vs Developing (BRIC: Brazil, China, India, Russia) -Variation in carbon emissions across countries means different levels of preparedness for changes •US: carbon consumption in electricity, transportation, industry •Europe: less in transportation •Industry (and carbon emissions) shifting to developing world; caps would impede their growth 3) Distributional conflict across generations
19.7 What are some of the important stages in this trade war between China and the United States?
1.US imposes a 25% tarrif on goods imported from China in 2018 2.China matched the tarriffs on US good China Fall 2018 3. additional tarriffs are added over 3 successive increases. 4. China targets tarrifs on US goods coming from industries in States that voted for Trump to put pressure on Trump. 5. Results in lower Trade between two PHASE I agreement comes in Jan 2020: China agrees to buy $200B is US goods and services as well as address intel. property, tech trans, fin. serv. and agric business etc. ***July 2018, Fall 2018, June 2019, and Fall 2019 and in January 2020 the Phase I trade deal went into effect.
22.10 What are the pros and cons of the Paris climate accord?
Advantages: -Broad collective agreement,developed and developing nations -Voluntary approach through NDCS makes goal attainment more realistic -Addresses the needs of the developing nations with the Financing Disadvantages: -The NDCs will not yeild the results needs to acheive the goal of the agreement -Countries not meeting their own NDCs -The challenges in executing and deepening the deal Major takeaway - Necessary and positive first step but must do much more needs to be done to mitigate climate change.
INN6.1 Describe some of the important details associated with the recent Israeli attack against Natanz. What facilities were targeted and why? What is "mowing the lawn?"
April 2021 Israel targets tunnels and destroys 60-70% of centrifuges at a Uranium enrichment facility to increase the "turn around time" of Iran having nuclear weapons ready once the deal expired. Mowing the lawn is spaced out attacks to maintain minimal progress on nuclear production
16.7 How does a state demonstrate credibility in nuclear deterrence? Understand measures to demonstrate credibility such as brinkmanship, tripwire forces, "the threat that leaves something to chance", and public pronouncements made by democracies.
Brinkmanship: taking actions with the risk of escalation (leaving it to chance) in order to demonstrate your resolve. i.e. putting nuclear weapons on alert, flying bombers armed with nuclear weapons, increases the chance of something going wrong if power is left in the hands of a pilot Tripwire Forces: Demonstrate capability even though they are smaller than the force it is going up against. US tanks at the Berlin wall. USSR couldnt just plow through. Placed in strategic hot spots. North Korea border; sacrificial forces that if a conflict arises, then their casualties will act as further cause to retaliate Public statements by democracies: serve to hold officical accountable to taking action in light of a threat demonstrates resolve. Demonstrate capability like North Korea did by doing tests.
22.1 What is the basic scientific claim about the causes and extent of climate change? What are the main environmental consequences that scientists fear will result from climate change?
Carbon dioxide levels have increased. Traps heat and causes global warming Avg. global temp will increase 5.5 degrees from 1880-2050
19.8 How have domestic political considerations (and the distributional consequences of trade) in the United States contributed to this trade war?
China targeting sectors that are important to Trump's political baseBlue collar manufacturingAgriculture in red states (Nebraska, Dakotas, Kansas, Iowa)Imposing economic pain on them so they pressure Trump to change his policies Phase I deal is supposed to be the beginning. Trump plans to use it in his campaign. Covid messed up that
INN5.4 What are China's interests relative to Taiwan?
China thinks that Taiwan should be integrated into the economic, military and most importantly the political fold. Taiwasn is NOT an independant state but operates like one and is a fucntioning democracy
16.6 Discuss how credibility is based on capabilities and resolve.
Credibility is based on capability of the nuclear aresenal to deliver on threat. How far can it reach and how many do they have. Resolve refers to if they would use the nuclear aresenal to carry out an attack. All talk or action.
22.6 What is the Paris climate accord? How might it operate to reduce carbon emissions and limit the increase of average temperatures? How did it navigate the tension between developed and developing countries?
Deal reached in December 2015 US played important role in final terms of the agreement Agreement on process by which states would submit voluntary reduced CO2 emission targets to keep average global temperature increases <2.0°C. (nationally determined contributions not negotiated among parties Important: not legally binding emission targets. Work through the politics of naming and shaming Goal to limit global temperature increases to < 2.0°C, with new goal to < 1.5°C 2015: Average temps +1.0°C since 1880 Binding process for monitoring and reporting pledges on emission targets and progress in upholding those pledges Need to make national plan public every five years, each plan needs to be as strong or stronger than the prior oneForeign aid from developed to developing countries Ease costs of alternative energies Compensate for costs of climate change EU: reduce emissions by 40% in 2030 from 1990 levels (most aggressive, already down 19%) greater pop density and transportation structure, greater political willigness US: reduce emissions by 16.3% by 2025 from 1990 levels (slight of hand using 2005 baseline)Relies on (Obama) EPA restrictions on coal fired power plants and support for renewables/Trump rescinded this executive orders which makes it difficult for US to honor first round of pledges China: less specific pledge, per GDP pledge which means they overall are still using the most carbon in terms of absolute/aggregate terms since they are becoming largest economy in worldAll current pledges would still leave 2030 emissions too high to stay under 2 degree mark
18.5 How and why has Democracy Promotion been a more or less important element within U.S. foreign policy over the years?
Democracy promotion results in more: - partners for cooperation - durable international settlements - trade - peace
16.4 What is deterrence? What is a secure second-strike capability and how does it affect nuclear deterrence?
Deterrence is the desire to avoid engagement. Successful deterrence rests on secure second strike capabilities. Which is the ability to retaliate after a first strike with a second strike. If both sides possess secure second strike capabilities, both sides deterred from launching weapons.. Mutually Assured Destruction.
17.10 What are the two main dilemmas facing NATO and how has the Trump administration addressed these dilemmas?
Dilemmas:1) Potential for European countries shirking their responsibility to provide for their own military security (commitment of troops) and by not spending enough on their militaries (2% of GDP annually) 2) The US is spending more than it receives in benefits. US potentially being a reluctant hegemon Trump says that NATO is obsolete as an organization. That is NATO partners don't honor their financial commitments that US will not honor Article V commitment to protect allies against outside aggression. This threatens they entire vehicle that maintains peace since WWII
21.1 What is the Bretton Woods economic order? What were the main forces that served as an impetus for the U.S. to construct the Bretton Woods order? What are the main organizations that emerged from Bretton Woods?
Emerges in final stages of World War II (1944): US supports creation of international organizations to ensure economic growth through international trade Impetus from: -Great Depression -Emerging battle against Communism -Increasing support for free trade in US Key organizations emerging from: -World Trade Organization & -International Monetary Fund to stabilize international currency markets bc countries would lower the value of their currency to make imports cheaper and exports more expensive.
19.3 If trade makes states wealthier, why is there political resistance to globalization?
Even though international trade increases the national wealth of the economy in the aggregate, some groups see income gains AND some groups see income losses•International trade helps to create jobs in sectors that rely disproportionately on resources (factor endowments) that US possesses in abundance
18.2 Discuss how restrictions on voting rights affected American democracy. What are the major historical expansions of voting rights during American history and how have expanded voting rights affected descriptive representation of women and ethnic minorities? How has universal suffrage affected election outcomes?
Five stages of expansion of voting rights in the U.S. -Expansion of white male suffrage in 19th century -15th amendment (1870) prohibits voting restrictions based on race or color•Voter suppression prevented African Americans from voting, especially in the South, for decades -19th amendment (1920) prohibits voting restrictions based on sex -Voting Right Act of 1965 enforces racial equality at the polls -26th amendment (1971) sets minimum voting age at 18 With the expansion of voting rights there was more representation of women and minorites in elected positions. Universal Suffrage has made the elections competitive, more equally distributed between Dems and Rep vs a White only voted would have made it a Red only.
19.1 According to the reading, what are the chief indicators of the increase of globalization since World War II? What is comparative advantage and how does it contribute to aggregate economic gains for states from trade? How does trade contribute to the economic sources of order in the international system?
Globalization: -CreationofsupernationalOrgs.NATO,UN -Integration of national economies into a single global economy through reduction of barriers to trade (like distance) Key BarriersTransportation costspolitical barriers to trade (tariffs, subsidies) Comparative advantage: Specialization in production of a few things, make surplus and trade that surplus for goods/services that cost us relatively more to produce... increases our income over time Gains created from differences in relative ability (efficiency) to produce goods.Specialize in production of some good where relative efficiency (cost differential with some other supplier) gains are largest.By narrowing the range of economic tasks for which an asset is used, specialization enables states to be deployed in their most efficient function Tradecontributesby: a. Specialization and international trade increases a state's national income b. The desire to get economic gains from trade leads to cooperative international agreements; c. Heightened economic competition activates economic and political backlash that tries to limit market pressures and reassert control over economic outcomes
21.5 What is the International Monetary Fund? What are its main functions? What is the main source of its influence in the international economy? What is conditionality and how does the IMF use it to promote economic reforms within countries? Why does the U.S. have so much influence within the IMF?
IMF: •Acts like a bank: Overseas pool of capital created by member countries •Limit exchange rate fluctuations (prevent currency wars from Depression that interrupted trade) •Lender of last resort: Help governments in exchange rate crisis stabilize reserves with loans •Conditionality: demands conditions that change economic conditions in country and enhance long term ability to repay -IMF loans as multiple disbursements: get partial money, then must implement reforms before get more -Often imposes real pain: cut tariff barriers, cut budget deficits i.e. raise taxes and cut spending •Power of IMF stems from its willingness to lend when no one else will -Good housekeeping seal of approval necessary 4 private capital to come back in US has most influence bc voting power based on % contribution and US is largest
17.3 How does U.S. membership in international organizations like the UN, NATO, and WTO demonstrate the ability of international institutions to solve a fundamental problem of international politics - to create and preserve coercive power and, at the same time, constrain that same power?
IO's like UN, NATO, and WTO help to promote and defend policy ideas consistent with American interests like democracy promotion, free trade, globalization, respect for human rights, and the construction of an affective collective security organization. Ikenberry: US entry into international organizations helps to solve fundamental problem of politics at international level, but bc it is multilateral, other states can work to check or constrain american policy when they oppose it. ie US steel tariff were viewed as wrong by WTO and the US had to remove them.
21.3 How might international economic organizations, like the WTO and the IMF, facilitate economic cooperation among states and higher levels of international trade?
IOs provide: •enforcement mechanisms -WTO: judicial panel -IMF conditionality •Helping to reveal information about state interests •Monitor compliance •Reducing distributional challenges
23.5 How is international migration a part of the broader phenomenon of globalization? How does the international flow of labor through international migration create winners and losers within domestic economies?
Labor migrates as part of globalization as it increases economic growth in the aggregate -Income Distributional Effects creates: WINNERS -Hi tech wants to employ high skilled workers to keep costs down -Agriculture, construction, service wants to employ low skill foreigners to keep labor costs down -Lower labor costs also benefit consumers through lower prices and can increase economic growth. Migrants also increase demand for goods, spurring economic growth •LOSERS - the costs of immigration are borne by workers and taxpayers -By pushing labor supply up in certain sectors, real wages are driven down -Migrants can also present a cost through increased demands for social services like schools, public safety, and health care that are paid through taxes
21.2 Describe the main elements of international economic cooperation. Why is political cooperation between states on international economic affairs difficult to achieve?
Main elements of cooperation •Joint reduction in tariff barriers •Monetary cooperation: multiple countries coordinate monetary policies (e.g. synchronize interest rate changes) to preserve stable exchange rates •Foreign aid •Emergency lending Difficult to achieve: •The problem of contracting over time: states cheat •Uncertainty about political interests of other states •Monitoring compliance •Distributional hurdles: which side is getting a better deal?
16.8 How might national missile defense influence the stability of nuclear deterrence?
Mutual Assured Distruction by both sides is the ultimate deterrant. A national missile defense NMD capability on one side means that the second strike could be stopped and so it threatens nuclear deterrence.
22.9 What is a Nationally Determined Contribution?
NDC is the commitment that each country makes to reduce emissions toward the goal of the agreement
16.2 How have nuclear weapons complicated the provision of national security?
National security is threatened if you are not able to respond in kind to your aggressor or enemy. Nuclear weapons are expensive.
16.1 How have nuclear weapons influenced US foreign policy since 1945?
Nuclear armed missiles shift national security strategy of US from one based on defense to one based on deterrence (cannot shoot down incoming missiles so cannot defend population) -goal of nuclear nonproliferation Want to have agreements in place to curb the buildup of weapons around the world
16.9 What is nuclear proliferation? Why do states acquire nuclear weapons, sometimes at the risk of provoking severe international backlash? Why do nuclear states and the international community want to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons?
Proliferation is the building of up of nuclear arsenals or capabilities. States acquire weapons for self defense, internal politics, international norms. Nuclear states want to prevent spread, bc players are unstable govts, unreliable or could have accidents, terrrorist threat., have nothing to lose, destabilizes the statuo quo politically
17.9 What are the Cold War origins of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)? What did Lord Ismay mean when he said the goal of NATO was "to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down"?
Protect Europe from the Soviet threat. Binding mechanism for American military power. Peace between democratic powers in Europe. - NATO alliance chief function during the Cold War was to provide military security for western Europe against the possibility of a Soviet attack, consisted of many multi-faceted benefits commitments it enacted-Ismay meant: 1) "Keep the Russians out"- refers to NATO as the pillar to American lead containment of the Soviet threat, provided protection from conventional and nuclear attack, cornerstone of peace and prosperity 2) "the Americans in"- refers to NATO as a binding mechanism for American military power, american led alliance provided a necessary hegemon for the collective security arrangement, the US provided essential public goods like military might, NATO forced them to act multilaterally rather than unilaterally when taking into account foreign allies and debating foreign policies and military action 3) "the Germans down"- refers to NATO's role in maintaining peace between the democratic powers in Europe by integrating them into an alliance that was lead by an outsider (US)-
18.1 What is democracy? Describe Robert Dahl's three "procedural minimal" conditions of democracy.
Robert Dahl argues that competitive "fair and free" elections are the basis of democracy.But there are more conditions that need to be met: **Public Contestation: Multiple parties competing in elections and the right to people to receive information and assemble to hold free and fair elections Electoral Competition and Individual freedoms. **Inclusion: Civil rights and liberties guaranteed, but also equal and universal suffrage (participation). This precondition is difficult to meet even for US (Quiz answer: American democracy is only existent from the 1960s Voting Rights Act). **Democratic Sovereignty: If unelected bodies like military make the decisions, then the country is not a democracy.Ex: Iran.
18.7 Using the module's reading, describe historical waves of democracy and the possible causes of these waves such as demonstration effects, neighborhood effects, conditionality of international organizations, and the influence of hegemons.
SEE PIAZZA ANSWER FOR WAVES: 3 primary waves each followed by a partial reverse wave in which democratic governments broke down and were replaced by autocracies 1st wave: lasted most of the 19th century until the beginning of the 20th century leading up to the WWI o partial democratic regimes emerged primarily in EU and the US o democracy remained rare & outnumbered by non-democratic regimes o followed by a reverse wave in the interwar period b/w WWI & WWII 2nd wave of democracy followed WWII: o W. EU saw the emergence of democratic gov in W. Germany, Italy, and Austria supported mostly by American hegemony o Japan also established a democratic government o Brief democratic experiments launched in Latin Americao Reverse wave took place in the 1960s and 1970s w/ breakdowns of democratic regimes across Latin America and the emergence of military dictatorships across the region 3rd wave of democracy: took hold beginning in the 1970s with the democratization of Spain, Portugal, and Greece in Europe and then the widespread collapse of military rule in Latin America and its replacement with democracies in the late 1970s and early 1980s o now being followed by a 3rd reverse wave as countries such as Russia have returned to authoritarian rule; Demonstration effects:-Significant mass events that successfully challenge the autocratic regimes create demonstration effects among opposition leaders and mass publics in other countries who then try to emulate the same actions and outcomes Neighborhood effects:-States tend to emulate the level of democracy of their neighboring states. This creates regional environments that are more or less conducive to the emergence of democracy. Influence of hegemons:-The actions of the US and the Soviet Union were instrumental in the spread of democracy or lack thereof during the cold war
19.4 What are the domestic distributional consequences of globalization? Which groups win and lose from globalization inside the United States?
SomeWin/somelose International trade helps to create jobs in sectors that rely disproportionately on resources (factor endowments) that US possesses in abundance -The abundance drives down the costs of these factors and makes goods that rely on them as inputs relatively cheaper•Example: job creation in financial and high tech services because intensively use high-skilled labor (people with college or advanced degrees) -Think about factor endowments (scarcity and abundance) in the US relative to ratio of factor endowments in other countries•Example: US scarce in labor relative to India; consequently, wages lower in India •Jobs are lost in sectors that rely disproportionately on resources that are scarce in the US-Example: unskilled labor in manufacturing-Problem: when lose job in manufacturing cannot find work in high tech because do not possess requisite skill level
17.4 Describe the tradeoffs associated with participation in international organizations and national sovereignty.
Sometimes the cost of participation in the IO is viewed as greater than the benefit. Trumps America First strategy was promoting US sovereignty over conforming to the rules of the IO. NAFTA viewed as unfair to US industry. NATO viewed as too great of a financial commitment of US relative to what others paid. Trump did not want US to be tied to the rules.
17.8 According to the reading (Chapter 20: Global Governance), what are the incentives for global governance through international institutions? How are efforts at global governance confronted by the collective action problem? Once international agreements are established, what types of problems of compliance and enforcement do international organizations face?
The incentives to global governance include mitigate negative externalities and provide public goods through collection action, and reduce transaction costs and improve efficiency regarding the formation of rules. Enforcement is difficult in international system, and most times states have to settle for self-enforcement. The effectiveness of compliance system varies by issue areas and global institutions. In some cases, enforcement involves large-scale costs that can make states reluctant to trigger penalties for noncompliant states. 1 States have incentives for global governance because of negative externalities, high transaction costs, and collective action problems. 2 Overcoming collective action problem in global governance often prove quite difficult for several reasons. First, the problem of distributing the burden of collective goods provision can activate intense struggles among interested parties, both within and between states. The second problem for states or groups of states is one of enforcement, or the punishment for noncompliance. 3 In the absence of a single enforcer, a group of states can provide enforcement. However, each country would like to enjoy the benefits of enforcement without having to pay the cost. Yet if all countries try to shirk the responsibility of providing enforcement, enforcement is under-provided, and would- be aggressors may pursue their goals without fear of reprisal. Given these incentives, establishing credible enforcement is a challenge.In other issue areas, enforcement involves large-scale costs that can make states reluctant to trigger penalties for non-compliant states. For example, if international organizations want to put economic sanctions to punish a country that broke an international agreement o law, sanctions could be costly. Moreover, sanctions sometimes fail to produce the desired behavioral change.
16.3 According to your reading for this module, what is the nuclear revolution?
The nuclear revolution is the quantitative difference between nuclear and conventional weapons means that would alter key features of war- particularly duration, targeting of noncombatants. Distinguish: 1. capacity to kill many in a short period of time 2.change primary targets from military forces to combatants 3.changes relationship between winners and losers
22.2 What is the tragedy of the commons? Why is it rational for individuals to overuse public goods? How does this phenomenon help to explain the difficulty of managing the sustainable use of commonly held public property? Know some examples
The tragedy of the commons is a problem in economics that occurs when individuals neglect the well-being of society in the pursuit of personal gain. This leads to over-consumption and ultimately depletion of the common resource Emerges with public property or resources for which it is difficult (costly) to restrict their use (consumption) •Divergence between private benefits and social costs: Individually rational for people states to consume, but diffused costs to society insufficient to prevent overuse •Resource gets depleted •Examples: oil fields, common grazing lands, overpopulation, fisheries, atmosphere
20.3 What is a trade deficit? How are trade deficits related to foreign capital inflows and investment in the United States?
Trade deficit, aka current account deficit, occurs when imports exceeds exports. Indicative of unfair trade policies: foreign companies undermining competitiveness of domestic firms and thus eliminating American jobs BUT balance of payments: trade deficits (buying more from foreigners than selling to foreigners) is offset by capital surplus (more foreign investment in US than capital outflows) Thus economic growth within US can be a symptom of a trade deficit Exporters see less demand, which can slow economic growth in some sectors, but consumers benefit from cheap products But also strong currency can create long term indebtedness that affects capital account negatively
19.6 Why did the United States launch a trade war against China in 2018?
Trumpelected •Grand strategy of America First •Deeper skepticism of free trade -Hurts American manufacturing and jobs -Consistent with domestic political strategy of Trump •Trump's demands specific to trade with China -China should boost imports of US products -Protection of US intellectual property/ -No currency manipulation •Trade deficit-Indicator of unfair trade policies Changes in average tariff rates during the trade war
17.5 What are the two main political bodies of the UN? How can they confer legitimacy? Which states have the most power within these political bodies?
Two main political bodies: -General Assembly -Security Council •Five permanent members with veto power (US, UK, China, Russia, France)•Ten rotating members Sec. Council members have the most power. They confer legitimacy because the UN sets global policy that become the institution by which members of the Organization adhere to.
INN5.5 What are US interests relative to Taiwan? Describe the U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity relative to Taiwan. What are some of pros and cons associated with changing this policy that have been discussed in the United States since last year?
US Interests: to maintain peace in the region and protect economic and political Status Quo. Make sure that neither fall to closer ties to Russia Strategic Ambiguity: US policy/response if war broke out bw them, intentionally unclear to either China or Taiwan, works to prevent China from taking military action but all prevent Taiwan from seeking indepencence. Shift in US Policy to signal closer alignment with Taiwan under Biden, because of the threat the China is becoming as a super power. -Pros: As China has gained in strength over the last 20 yr. may need "stratgic Clarity" to clearly know that US will support Taiwan -Cons: might provoke more of a push within Taiwan for independence that would cause China to escalate response. -US has to consider if it would seriously engage. And with growing tensions in E. Ukraine and N Korea does US have the 'capacity' to respond.
17.6 Why does the United States participate in the United Nations and often abide by its decisions when it could just ignore it instead (because it possesses much greater military capacity than the UN)?
US participates bc UN is source of legitimacy abroad and at home for controvesials policies. -UN reflect global public opinion, easier to gain allies if UN supports -Domestic public more likely to support policies that have secured UN approval, •Real tension: might need to gain legitimacy for policy, secure additional support to implement policies, but... •Can require some surrender of sovereignty or authority of elected officials in US set policy of the United States -UN can provide military support from member nations in certain areas which unburdens the US from participation everywhere.
INN6.2 What are some of the most prominent differences in the US and Israeli approaches/policies to prevent Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons?
US wants Diplomatic approach: Biden is trying to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) from Obama. it eases econ. sanctions and Iran stops building weapons, Hope that econ. prosperity will lead to new perspective and eventually a more liberal regime might be in place that wants to deal with West Israel wants a Military approach: they launched attack to ensure that the breakout time (time it takes to convert uramium to bomb) is back to a year or longer; israel felt that Iran had gotten the the time down to 2-3 months Mow the Lawn militarily
16.5 Under what conditions might nuclear weapons paradoxically make war less likely? What is the problem of credibility in nuclear deterrence? Explain why the effectiveness of deterrent threats depends on credibility.
When both sides are guaranteed destruction by the other, war is less likely. The Mutually Assured Destruction is based on belief that there is second strike capability. If it is not believable that there is capability or resolve to use nuclear force by both sides, then there is no deterrant from using force. If China threatens an ally to the US, does China believe that the US will step in and defend that country.
22.3 What is an externality?
a benefit or cost that affects someone who is not directly involved in the production or consumption of a good or service
17.2 Understand, explain, and give examples of how international institutions shape international politics through the following mechanisms: a) guiding behavior and shaping expectations; b) providing information about state interests and incentives to comply; c) allocating and generating power for states.
a) Important Institutions (Rules Norms): Sovereignty - legal recognition (by other states) of a government's right to regulate people (via a set laws for them) living within set territorial boundaries, Trade Liberalization- grant access of foreign companies to domestic markets--facilitates the expansion of globalization and commerce (WTO, a regulator) No chemical warefare - agreed to rule that chemical weapons will not be used. The expectation is that on trade is that concessions offered are reciprocated. b) Provision of info helps to reduce uncertainty about a state's future behavior, which can encourage cooperation among states in the future; examples: Chinese entry in WTO- china had to comply with the concessions of entry for gaining better access to american domestic market; weapons inspectors--check for compliance The organization can authorize actions to ensure compliance to the institution. Is one country violates trade agreements, others can implement tarriffs to retaliate and incentivise compliance. c) Creating new international law, IO's can rely on their rules to build up their own power to influence states (Judicial activism of WTO). Setting a specific agenda, rules among IO's allocate power among states by influencing the capacity of these member states (Veto power of UN Security Council)
20.8 What do the Fed's actions say about the costs and benefits of American hegemony/leadership in the global economy?
•Challenge some core principles of America First -World not free riding on US, instead helping to pay some of the costs (with effectively no interest loans) of economic stabilization and recovery in the US •Typically, this explosion in deficit financing would cause interest rates to go up (as creditors demand higher interest rates) •Other countries (e.g. Italy, China) do not have this kind of monetary and fiscal flexibility -Developing countries debts are dollar denominated so higher interest rates make their payments higher. Diminishes their econ. and strengthens USs. -Global demand for dollars helping Congress to run massive deficits (at zero percent interest) and Fed to print trillions of dollars to backstop US financial institutions and the domestic economy
18.3&4 What is the democratic peace theory? How do the factors that contribute to democracy's influence over foreign policy in general - electoral constraints, institutional constraints on power such as checks and balances, and shared democratic identity - help to explain, in particular, peaceful relations between democracies? What are some critiques of the democratic peace theory?
•Claim that military conflict (low levels, including threat to use force; and war) is less likely between two democratic states•Democracies will be peaceful toward other democracies, but not peaceful toward autocracies Causes of the Democratic Peace: -Electoral constraints raise the political costs associated with war -Institutional checks and balances make peace settlements more durable because democracy helps to solve the commitment problem -Shared democratic identity: Democracies externalize norms of conciliation and compromise with each other and there is less public support for using military force against fellow democracy Critiques: -Common enemy drives peace, USSR/Europe -Power settlements post WW drive peace
INN5.1 Describe some of the sources of political conflict in the contemporary US-China relationship?
•Dynamism in the distribution of power •Goals for international political order reflect different values: regime type and ideology •Taiwan: China conducting military exercises just off the coast of Taiwan in Intl. water. US sent destroyer to patrol •Internet, information security, and cyberwarfare •South China Sea •Human rights: Treatment of ethnic and religious minorities in China •Political and civil rights in Hong Kong •Trump and the trade war •COVID •US political and military interference
22.13 According to the Baker reading, what are the economic and national security benefits of ambitious U.S. leadership in combatting climate change? What are the four pillars of the Baker-Schultz plan to reduce carbon emissions?
•Economic Growth: -Cleaner energy (natural gas) and renewable energy now much more cost effective, so the U.S. can cut emissions and maintain a strong economy -Climate-saving technologies could bring revolutionary economic efficiencies -Climate change is already causing significant economic costs through worse natural disasters, combatting it will help the country's bottom line •National Security: -Climate change poses serious national security threats such as flooding of major cities and international conflicts over water scarcity -Winner of the clean energy race will determine the international balance of power and set the rules of the new clean energy international economy, which ties to hegemonic stability theory •Four Pillars of the Baker-Schultz carbon pricing approach: 1) Economy-wide, revenue-neutral carbon fee. This would cost less than subsidies and regulations. 2) Revenue from carbon fee returned to American citizens as dividends. A family of four would receive approximately $2000 per year. 3) Carbon pricing would replace many environmental regulations 4) Carbon tariff would be applied to energy-intensive imports to level playing field
21.4 What is the GATT? What is the WTO? How does these organizations differ? What are some of the norms, principles, and rules associated with the GATT and WTO? How does the dispute settlement mechanism in the WTO support international trade?
•GATT: General Agreement on Tariffs &Trade •Multilateral international organization designed to support reduction of trade barriers on a reciprocal basis •GATT: provided a series of rules that would guide negotiating rounds during the Cold War -Important: no enforcement capabilities, trade disputes handled on a bilateral basis WTO: •Key difference: institutionalized a dispute settlement mechanism with established procedures for filing grievance, investigating complaints, and punishing defection •Designed to ensure that states uphold existing trade concessions (e.g. tariff cuts) negotiated through GATT/WTO •Judicial panel can enforce these obligations by authorizing compensation to injured party in form of trade sanctions -Interesting: plaintiff has a lot of discretion on where to impose retaliatory tariffs •Political logic: WTO enforcement capacity keeps global economy open by punishing states pursuing protection •While successful at preserving existing trade concessions, WTO relatively ineffective over last decade in securing further trade liberalization because limited support in developed world (US, Europe, Japan)
23.3 Why is there a gap between public opinion regarding the preferred levels of immigration and immigration policies adopted by democracies? How does the collective action problem help to explain this gap?
•Gap bc powerful interests experience concentrated benefits from immigration while the costs are distributed widely across less organized interests. -Collective action problem -Groups with stronger interests can overcome the collective action problem , those with more disparate or weaker interests have trouble doing so. Thus even if a policy is unpopular amongst many disparate groups, a concentrated effort by a few smaller groups can get their policy passed while those that oppose it cannot unite to push alternate policy.
20.4 What is the political significance of the dollar's reserve currency status in the global economy?
•Global liquidity or money supply generated Government issues Treasury bonds when it runs a budget deficit -Budget deficit: expenditures exceed (tax) revenues •Ability to rely on foreigners to finance budget deficits helps fund domestic and foreign policies that Americans unwilling to fund through taxes •US really being exploited for its global economic leadership?
23.4 How is immigration policy related to partisanship in the United States?
•How will immigrants vote? •Republicans worry that majority will vote for Democrats. •Permanent political status as minority party in key electoral states like Texas and Florida.
20.7 How does the status of the U.S. dollar as the reserve currency of the global economy help the Federal Reserve to take such dramatic steps during the pandemic to support the U.S. economy? How is this related to the Hegemonic Stability Theory?
•Huge implications for hegemonic stability theory and U.S. leadership -US at center of global economy since 1919 •Long term investments in political and economic order that benefits US: Funds allies in WWI, WWII, rebuilds Europe with Marshall Plan aid, protects flow of oil out of Middle East, provides military and financial aid to countries opposing Soviet Union, opens domestic markets to international trade •All of this creates dependence on US economy, US capital...and, most importantly now, steady demand for the dollar (or financial assets denominated in dollars)
23.7 According to your reading for this module, how does international migration affect the demographic composition of countries? How do these demographic changes create conflict within countries over issues of national identity?
•Immigration as part of a broader demographic change in the United States and other top receiving countries •Accentuating racial lines of conflict •In US, this is manifest in debates over English as primary language and national identity rooted in Anglo-Protestant culture •In Europe, manifest largely over concerns over Muslim immigration •These concerns are demonstrated by strong public sentiment that knowing the national language and identifying as a Christian is important to national identity •Recent research about 2016 US election: fear of losing social/racial/cultural dominance, not economic anxiety, important for those that switched votes from Obama in 2012 to Trump in 2016
23.2 Discuss the global patterns of international migration. What are the countries with the largest inflows of international migration and which countries have the largest inflows of refugees?
•In general, global migration patterns involve a net flow of people from less developed to more developed countries -U.S., Saudi Arabia, Germany are top receiving countries Colombia, Pakistan and Uganda are currently above Germany according to UN data. -India, Mexico, Russia, China are top sending countries -But not the case with refugees where developing countries like Turkey bear the main burden -Trend for: Voluntary Migration:>From less developed countries to more developed countries-Forced Migration:>Usually flows to countries nearby-Turkey and Germany, Lebanon, and Jordan have the largest inflows of refugees
INN5.3 Describe the contemporary political status of Taiwan. What are the main political parties in Taiwan? And what are their respective interests relative to Taiwan's political position in the international system?
•Legacy of extended civil war between Communists and Nationalists •Nationalists flee to Taiwan in 1949 and set up rival government •US develops strong relations with Taiwan as part of Cold War, but improves ties with mainland during Nixon administration •Key outstanding issue: One China of which Taiwan is a part? -point of conflict in US-China relationship -US wants status quo, peace and supports One China policy, often defined differently by both sides -Over last twenty years, tension escalates when domestic politics in Taiwan creates pressures to declare formal independence •De facto independence as stable, functioning democracy...shares common democratic values with US •Two primary parties in Taiwan: •KMT: supports closer ties with China •DPP: center-left, supports political independence •Most states (including US) do not recognize Taiwan as independent
22.7 What are the main components of the Paris Climate Accord? How should it operate to limit the growth of carbon dioxide emissions?
•Main components of agreement: 1) Nationally determined contributions that are voluntary and not legally binding. -Designed to work through the politics of naming and shaming 2) Fund to transfer $100 billion dollars from developed to developing countries --Designed to help developing countries pay costs and as compensation for the fact that developed countries are more responsible for this problem due to their earlier industrialization Operate= -Binding process for monitoring and reporting pledges on emission targets and progress in upholding those pledges. -Need to make a national plan public every 5 years, each plan needs to be as strong or stronger than the prior one.(shaming) -Foreign aid from developed to developing countries. a.Ease costs of alt energies b.Compensate for costs of climate change.
19.5 How do trade and globalization shape political relations and order in the international system?
•Political implications: -Globalization tends to activate domestic political conflict because some groups win and some groups lose-This powerful reason to explain prevalence of barriers to trade that constrict national income Some groups get huge income losses and give incentive to lobby for tariffs Consumers lose because of collective action problem institutions help to set rules by which winners and losers from trade hash out trade policy Ex. Agriculture still receives heavy support because disproportionately represented in the senate **Instructor answer: By implementing the WTO and pursuing policies related free trade the commercial links between states can be strengthened, raising the costs of conflict and coercive threats. Because WTO arbitration is judicial in nature, states are treated more fairly there than in say, the IMF, and are able to then trust the organization.
22.4 What is the collective action problem? How might it be applied to the challenges of managing climate change? What are some of the political solutions to the collective action problem in the case of carbon dioxide emissions?
•Public good: nonexcludable and nonrivalrous -These attributes activate free rider problem -Free riding as failing to limit own carbon dioxide emissions •CO2 cuts as a public good: costly to exclude countries (and their citizens) from consuming once supplied •Potential solutions -Large actors provide public good on own -International agreement to punish noncompliance •Markets undersupply public goods, necessity of international agreement
20.1 What does globalization in financial terms look like?
•Reflect differences in value of respective currencies; price of one currency in terms of another•As $ appreciates, it can buy MORE units of a foreign currency•As $ depreciates, it buys FEWER units of a foreign currency
23.6 What are remittances? How do remittances help to redistribute wealth from wealthy countries to poorer ones?
•Remittances - money sent from migrants to family and friends back home -- represent one of the largest transfers of capital across international borders, totaling more than $600M in 2017, increasing more than 5x since 2000. Foreign aid only =$200M
20.2 What is an exchange rate? How do shifts in exchange rates alter patterns of imports and exports? How can exchange rate changes influence trade policy?
•Shape the price of conducting international trade •When dollar appreciates, imports go up because they foreign products (bought by more valuable $) are cheaper •When dollar appreciates, exports go down because they are priced in $ and more expensive to foreign consumers •Opposite with depreciating currency: helps exports, slows imports •Implications for US-China relations: -China has long sought to stimulate exports to US -How? Push dollar up to increase purchasing power of American consumer-How push dollar up? Buy dollar denominated assets like US Treasuries and mortgages
INN6.5 Describe some of the attributes of a two-level game in the US-Iranian relationship that is shaping their ability to reach a revised nuclear accord.
•Shifting US foreign policy interests activate a commitment problem in which US violates its obligations •Significant domestic disagreement within Iran over JCPOA: US withdrawal and elections raises domestic costs in Iran to cooperation •Israel exploiting this strategic challenge to play role of spoiler, undermining diplomacy?
18.8 According to the Krasner reading, what are the two main tendencies within US foreign policy regarding democracy promotion and dealing with authoritarian regimes? What third option does Krasner propose in how the U.S. should deal with long-standing dictatorships?
•US foreign policy 2 approaches toward authoritarian regimes: -Bush have tried to "transform" dictatorships into liberal democracies, hands on -Trump and Barack Obama lead by example, demonstrate the virtues of democracy by having a well functioning Political System, hands off Third option: promoting good enough governance, which emphasizes greater security, economic growth, and better provision of some services For despotic (dictator) regimes, democracy is probably not viable in the short-term. In these cases, the U.S. should also identify good local leaders, regardless if they are committed to democracy or not, and provide them assistance to improve security, economic growth, and provision of important services like health care.
20.5 How can global capital markets discipline or influence the economic policy of governments?
•When foreign capital holders lose confidence in a government's monetary policy, they tend to sell assets denominated in that currency -Currency depreciates -Government can reassure investors (or bring them back) by: •Raising taxes or cutting government spending •Offering higher returns i.e. push interest rates up •But...these measures push domestic economy into recession •Example: Greece in the Euro crisis •Real policy implications: international capital markets can sharply constrain country's monetary policy; limiting discretion of elected officials and forcing them to push their economy into recession to reassure creditors China has long sought to stimulate exports to US How? Push dollar up to increase purchasing power of American consumerby Buying dollar denominated assets like US Treasuries and mortgages exporting firms like a falling dollar, will lobby to impose tariffs to counteract this exchange rate policy When foreign capital holders lose confidence and sell assets the currency depreciates & gov has to raise taxes/cut spending or push interest rates up (higher returns) economy in recession =Global capital markets can constrain a country's monetary policy
