IB Global Politics, Term 1
types of sovereignty
internal sovereignty: notion of supreme power within the state, located in body that makes decisions for citizens and groups; usually in absolute monarchy popular sovereignty: sovereignty rests with the will of the people; usually a form of democracy
protecting human rights
international law challenges state sovereignty UNHCR >>>> point out, don't stop NGOs - influence and popular support UNHCR >>> General Assembly >>> Security Council
high politics
issue areas that are of primary importance, usually taken to refer to defense and foreign policy generally, and particularly to matters of state self-preservation
low politics
issue areas that are seen not to involve a state's vital national interests, whether in the foreign or the domestic sphere
international law - historically
keep order between states respect sovereignty - equal anarchic world subjects agents purpose justification: self defense, national interest, approved by SC
civil/political rights
liberty/life/property coming from enlightenment negative rights: "freedom from..." slavery/torture civil liberties freedom from government actions
incremental model
smaller goals, small steps evade problems
neo-marxism
an updated and revived form of Marxism that rejects determinism, the primacy of economic and the privileged status of the proletariat
hierarchy
an organization that is based on graded ranks and a clear and usually top-down authority structure
critical theory
"challenges status-quo and global norms" no objective reality reality constructed through various lenses/power dynamics wants to eliminate "oppression" realism and liberalism used to "legitimize oppression" "exposing inequality"
morgenthau
"people are inherently evil"
state goals
#1 = security/survival economic prosperity national unification spread of ideology human rights
foreign
(from the Latin "foris" meaning outside) Dealing or concerned with another country, area or people; implies strange or not familiar
after Leopold
- King Leopold died in 1908 - after his death, Belgium took on state control of the country, largely in response to the reputation of violent atrocities under his rule - Belgium continued to exploit the country's natural resources, "civilize the natives" (in particular through missionary activity), and run the state government - Belgium employed direct rule, bringing in Belgian people to run the country - while after 1908 some of the violence ceased and Belgium worked to build infrastructure, Belgium continued to oppress the native populations and exploit natural resources for their own benefit. - Belgium continued to own the Congo until 1960
Colonialism in Rwanda
- Rwanda was first a German colony (beginning in 1884), then a Belgian colony (beginning in 1916) - Rwanda was controlled indirectly, with a Tutsi monarchy in charge - the Belgians used the preexisting ethnic tensions between the Hutus and the Tutsis to their advantage - Belgians favored the Tutsi, not only because the accepted their rule, but also because they easily converted to Roman Catholicism and because they were believed to be more appealing in looks and stature to the Europeans
outbreak of Rwandan genocide in 1994
- beginning in 1986, rebel Tutsis began rallying in Uganda and formed the RPF (hoped to restore democracy and allow exiled Tutsis to re-enter the country)
King Leopold
- believing that colonies were key to a country's greatness, King Leopold acquired the Congo by his own personal investment - after the Berlin Conference in 1885 the Congo was designated to him, after he and Henry Stanley had worked to explore the region and attempt much diplomacy with other European countries - Leopold made millions of dollars by exploiting workers and controlling resources, particularly ivory and rubber - he did this at the cost of the native populations. historians estimate that during his reign approximately 10 million people were killed. - many of these deathes were believed to be from unbelievably harsh labor practices, killing or mutilating people when quotas were not met - many in Belgium believed they were "civilizing" the Congolese
Arab Spring
- in 2010, there were a series of revolts throughout the middle east - beginning in December, people in Tunisia began protesting economic problems, including significant wealth inequality and government corruption - gained massive popular support through social media
goals of Arab Spring
- most of the revolutions sought peace and democracy - people wanted better quality of life for their families, political representation, and in many cases, a reduction in dependence of Western countries
UN human rights thing
1948 30 rights
Commercial liberalism
A form of liberalism that emphasizes the economic and international benefits of free trade, leading to mutual benefit and general prosperity as well as peace amongst states
sovereignty
A principle of international relations that holds that final authority over social, economic, and political matters should rest with the legitimate rulers of independent states the principle of absolute and unlimited power; the absence of a higher authority in either domestic or external affairs principle of absolute or unlimited power, absence of a higher authority statehood is made legitimate because they exercise power over their borders and are autonomous
Free trade
A system of trade between states not restricted by tariffs or other forms of protectionism
thomas hobbes
English materialist and political philosopher who advocated absolute sovereignty as the only kind of government that could resolve problems caused by the selfishness of human beings (1588-1679)
international organizations v. transnational organizations
Inter: - nations participate in and international organization - shared goal/cooperative - accord Trans: - operate within nations - national interest - access
Post-Colonial Congo
Patrice Lumumba - he was the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the DRC - in 1966 he was dismissed from office on charges of colluding with the Commies (Soviets) - appealed the charge but was pursued by a group hoping to overthrow the govt. - eventually apprehended and executed. speculated that Belgium and CIA funded and planned his execution Joseph Mombutu - became the dictator of the Congo until 1997 - rule was highly authoritarian and centralized - corruption led to him amassing great personal wealth - generally supported by the west monetarily and diplomatically - goal was to rid the Congo of western colonial influence
nicolo machiavelli
The chief foundations of all states are good taws and good arms (synonymous with deception, unscrupulous and cunning) The ends justify the means.
cultural relativism
The practice of trying to understand a culture on its own terms and to judge a culture by its own standards.
hegemony
a state that dominates all other states in its system
deconstruction
a close reading of philosophical or other texts with an eye to their various blindspots and/or contradictions
supraterritoriality
a condition in which social life transcends territory through the growth of 'transborder' and 'transglobal' communications and interactions
shared sovereignty
a constitutional arrangement in which sovereignty is divided between two levels of government, each exercising supreme and autonomous control over a specific range of issues
republican liberalism
a form of liberalism that highlights the benefits of republican (rather than monarchical) government and, in particular, emphasizes the link between democracy and peace external behavior of a state is crucially influenced by its constitutional makeup assume autocratic or authoritarian states are more militaristic democratic states are inherently more peaceful critiqued because democracies have intervened in regime changes promoted through military ends
classical realism
a form of realism that explains power politics larely in terms of human selfishness or egoism
offensive realism
a form of structural realism that portrays states as 'power maximizers', as there is no limit to their desire to control the international environment.
defensive realism
a form of structural realism that views states as 'security maximizers', placing the desire to avoid attack above a bid for world power.
suicide terrorism
a form of terrorism in which the perpetrator (or perpetrators) intends to kill himself or herself in the process of carrying out the attack
new terrorism
a form of terrorism that is supposedly more radical and devastating than 'traditional' terrorism because of the nature of its organization, political character, motivations and strategies
deep ecology
a green ideological perspective that rejects anthropocentrism and gives priority to the maintenance of nature; it is associated with values such as bio-equality, diversity, and decentralization
ethnocentrism
a mode of understanding in which the actions or intentions of other groups of peoples are understood through the application of values and theories drawn from the observer's own culture or experience
dependency theory
a neo-Marxist theory that highlights structural imbalances within international capitalism that impose dependency and underdevelopment on poorer states and regions
multi-level governance
a pattern of overlapping and interrelated public authority that stems from the growth, or growing importance, of supranational and subnational bodies
neorealism
a perspective on international politics that modifies the power politics model by highlighting the structural constraints of the international system; sometimes called 'new' or 'structural' realism
neoliberal institutionalism
a school of thought within liberalism that emphasizes the scope for cooperative behavior within the international system while not denying its anarchic character
gender
a social and cultural distinction between males and females, usually based on characteristics of masculinity and femininity
state of nature
a society devoid of political authority and of formal (legal) checks on the individual
self-help
a state's reliance on its own capacities and resources, rather than external support to ensure security and survival
policy network
a systemic set of relationships between political actors who share a common interest or general orientation in a particular area
peacekeeping
a technique designed to preserve the peace when fighting has been halted, and to assist in implementing agreements achieved by the peacemakers - accepted by host - mediator
localization
a trend that favors the local as the basis for political action, cultural identity or economic organization, usually associated with the growing importance of sub-national governance
challenges with liberalism
advance of globalization has renewed interest in liberalsim challenged by radical islam economic challenge: free trade
liberalism vs realism
agree: competition shapes how states interact, international system is decentralized disagree: liberals assume competition is conducted in larger framework of harmony, liberals assume realists underestimate the potential for cooperation
american transnationalism
american expansion - not territory - products and people around the world - we run technology and communications - economic influence american transnationalism - created basic concept and structure - power and economic vacuum - evaluate model of hegemony
post-positivism
an approach to knowledge that question the idea of an 'objective' reality, emphasizing instead the extent tow which people conceive, or 'construct'; the world in which they live
liberal institutionalism
an approach to study that emphasizes the role of institutions (both formal and informal) in the realization of liberal principles and goals draws on belief by hobbes and locke in the belief that order needs to be imposed from above looks to international organizations and laws as basis for collective security connected growing cooperation to self-interest assumes states are more concerned with absolute gains embrace universal sets of norms and rules as "standard operating procedures" main focus not preventing war, but increase cooperation and prevent cheating rules: raise cost of cheating issue linkage
system theory
an approach to study that focuses on works of 'systems', explaining their operation and development in terms of reciprocal interactions amongst component parts
theoretical reflexivity
an awareness of the impact of the values and presuppositions that a theorist brings to analysis, as well as an understanding of historical dynamics that have helped to fashion them
idealism
approach to international relations that stresses moral values and ideals over power and the pursuit of national interest optimistic about the prospects for peace desire to reform international system by strengthening international law broader and more nebulous than liberalism
arab spring: libya
before: US after:
arab spring: egypt
before: US after: US
arab spring: tunisia
before: US and Europe, tensions (neighbors) after: US and Europe, improved
arab spring: yemen
before: US and the Saudis after:
absolute gains
benefits that accrue to states from a policy or action regardless of their impact on other states
governance
broadly, the various ways in which social life is coordinated, of which government is merely one public and private life become blurred hierarchies, bureaucracy, TNCs, markets
power
central concept ability to effect change and, rather than being viewed as a unitary or independent force, is as an aspect of relations among people functioning within a social organization population + wealth => military + land ability to do things and control others possession of power, land, resources, etc. tech, education, economic interdependence are impt.
peace enforcement
coercive measures, including the use of military force, used to restore peace and security in situations where acts of aggression have taken place
liberalism
comes from idealism, but more specific in focus key: harmony or balance amongst competing forces assumes conflict is never reconcilable balance of interests will naturally emerge
egoism
concern for one's own interest or well-being, or selfishness; the belief that one's own interests are morally superior to those of others
cognitive behavioral model
culture drives decisions
what is a state
defined territories, permanent population, effective government, capacity to enter relations with other states
international criminal court
detain and prosecute war criminals limited jurisdiction change - leaders are culpable later - time of peace (retrospect resources) norms
foreign policy
domestic and foreign become blurred alliances, immigration, etc.
bureaucratic organizational model
follows a framework/process policy over end goal
national interest
foreign policy goals, objectives or policy preferences that supposedly benefit a society as a whole (the foreign policy equivalent of the 'public interest')
UN limits
funding no military force conflicting interests superpowers inequality of power
hans morgenthau
german-born US IR theorist arrived in US in '37 developed a science of "power politics" based on machiavelli and hobbes
soft power
gets others to WANT what they want (co-optive) media ideology
solidarity
group rights universalism
independence liberalsim
heavy link to commercial liberalism emphasizes the economic and international benefits of free trade supported by "complex interdependence" as alternative to realist theory internationalism
discourse
human interaction, especially communication; discourse may disclose or illustrate power relations
critiques of human rights
humanitarian efforts cloak national interest reactions to breaches of human rights >>> alliances cherry-picking
world order
intentions are always unknowable
nihilism
literally a belief in nothing; the rejection of all conventional moral and political principles
common bases for categorizing international organizations are:
membership, competence, function, decision-making authority
diffusion of power/limitations
military might has limits balance of power is changing (transnational corporations, religious groups, etc.) Threats (terrorism, bio warfare, cyber warfare, climate change, health, etc.) - require cooperation
theory
no one sees the world as it is theory is a kind of abstract or generalized thinking that seeks to explain, interpret or evaluate something essentially, theory provides a framework by which we understand the world
rational-actor
objective profit/self-interest big picture realist
mearsheimer
offensive structural realist international system forces states to prioritize power
UN
peace and security - spreading human rights - international law - improve quality of life - encourage social progress security council - russia - china - USA! - france - UK - 10 member rotated in every 2 years - permanent members can veto anything general assembly - decentralized - deliberative body
principles of statecraft
politics is governed by objective laws which have their roots in human nature understanding international politics is the concept of interest defined in terms of power forms and nature of power will vary in time, but the concept of interest remains consistent political sphere is autonomous moral aspirations are specific to a particular nation moral principles do not guide state behavior, although states may have an awareness of the moral significance of their actions
social/cultural/economic
positive rights: "freedom to....." government offers protection requires resources/responsibility
globalization
post-sovereign governance: rise of globalization marks the end of the state, this claim denied by realists, most theorists, however, argue that globalization has brought changes that vas transformed the state, but not reduced its power migrations, communications, and the economy have all challenged territorial sovereignty
fear
potential nukes (?) proximity intentions
government
process - national maintains order and protects economic makes and enforces decisions
creation of IGOs
realist - strong states >>> legitimacy liberal - cooperation federalism - distribution of sovereignty; deal with war functionalism - incremental problems; economy neo-functionalism - spill over
human rights - relativism
right are contextualized social/cultural/historical frames critiques notion of universalism ideal, not guaranteed hard to enforce
IGOs
rules for relations 3 or more nations memberships peace and security actors - used by states to pursue interest arenas - "neutral referee" of the world; conversation; information; diplomacy
explanatory theory
sometimes called 'descriptive or 'empirical' theory, this helps to explain why, and under what circumstances, events happen or developments unfold. explanatory theories embody generalized causal propositions, which can be tested against 'hard' evidence; that is, data that exists separately from our perception of it. mainstream perspectives on global politics tend to use theory in this sense.
interpretive theory
sometimes referred to as 'constitutive' theory, this imposes meaning on events or issues, attempting to understand, rather than explain, the world. interpretiice theory emphasizes that human reflection is a social process, and treats the 'real world' as a series of competing truths or interpretations. this is a stance most commonly associated with critical perspectives on global politics.
normative theory
sometimes termed 'prescriptive' or 'political' theory, this prescribes values and standards of conduct; it deals with what ought to be, rather than with what is. however, all empirical theories of global politics are underpinned, at some level, by normative considerations. normative theory also overlaps with interpretive theory, as the latter rejects the distinction between facts and values.
good governance
standards for the process of decision-making in society, including (according to the UN) popular participation, respect for the rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, and accountability
realism key themes
state egoism and conflict statecraft and the national interest international anarchy and its implications polarity, stability, and the balance of power
actors in global politics
states (USA, UK, China), international organizations (UN), intergovernmental organizations (WTO, IMF, EU), NGOs (red cross, amnesty interntaional), TNCs/MNCs (IKEA, sony, apple), social movements, political parties, informal forums
peace building
structural root economic reconstruction demobilize combatants reintegrate refugees immigration reconstruct government
international law - today
supranational universal norms ethnocentrism increasingly for organizations, TNCs, individuals individuals more subject of laws order AND justice conduct war crimes: torture, willful killing, imprisonment, target, etc. crimes against humanity
state terrorism
terrorism carried out by government bodies such as the police, military or intelligence agencies
pooled sovereignty
the UN, the EU, and the WTO have on one hand undermined state sovereignty: their policies and coordination assume states are beholden to the collaborative agreements, and therefore are not totally sovereign on the other, working through these organizations may actually expand the capacities of the state: states can affect international policy and change, often in their favor, depending on their status in the organizations as a collaborative force, unions such as the one listed above often have more power than a traditional sovereign state
external sovereignty
the absolute and unlimited authority of the state as an actor on the world stage, implying the absence of any higher authority in external affairs states can maintain sovereignty even through the contemporary questions about the implications from the diffusion of power, etc. the power of a state as an actor on the world stage the basis for international law UN operates according to sovereign equality
economic sovereignty
the absolute authority of the state over how economic life is conducted within its borders, involving independent control of fiscal and monetary policies, and trade and capital flows
eurocentrism
the application of values and theories drawn from European culture to other groups and peoples, implying a biased or distorted viewpoint
statecraft
the art of conducting public affairs, or the skills associated with it; statesmanship
holism
the belief that the whole is more than a collection of parts; holism implies that understanding is gained by recognizing the relationships amongst the parts
state-building
the construction of a functioning state through the establishment of legitimate institutions for the formulation and implementation of policy across key areas of government
security dilemma
the dilemma that arises from the fact that a build-up of military capacity for defensive reasons by one state is always liable to be interpreted as aggressive by other states
spillover
the dynamic process whereby integration in one policy area tends to 'spill over' into other areas, as new goals and new pressures are generated
polarity
the existence within a system of one or more significant actors, or 'poles', which affect the behavior of other actors and shape the contour of the system itself, determining its structural dynamics
decentralization
the expansion of local autonomy through the transfer of powers and responsibilities away from national bodies
collective security
the idea or practice of common defense, in which a number of states pledge themselves to defend each other, based on the principle of 'all for one and one for all' - contingent on states being roughly equal - bare the cost/responsibility - ability to take action states must identify aggressor vs. victim difficult to react immediately aggression is always wrong historical enmity must be vital to state interest distribution local becomes international questions sovereignty CRITIQUE - trust
internal sovereignty
the notion of a supreme power/authority within the state, located i a body that makes decisions that are binding on all citizens, groups, and institutions within the state's borders
democratic peace thesis
the notion that there is an intrinsic link between peace and democracy, in particular that democratic states do not go to war with one another
groupthink
the phenomenon in which psychological and professional pressures conspire to encourage a group of decision-makers to adopt a unified and coherent position
relative gains
the position of states in relation to one another, reflected in the distribution of benefits and capabilities between and amongst them
rule of law
the principle that law should 'rule', in the sense that it establishes a framework within which all conduct and behavior takes place
return of (or maintenance of) the state
the state has a unique capacity to maintain domestic order and protect citizens from external attack it is essentially a war-making machine, particularly in today's context where other forms of power (ideology, economy, values, etc. tend to be more globalized)
uneven development
the tendency within a capitalist economy for industries, economic sectors, and countries to develop at very different rates due to the pressures generated by economic exploitation
incrementalism
the theory that decisions are made not in the light of clear-cut objective, but through small adjustments dictated by changing circumstances
the constitutive theory of the state
the theory that the political existence of a state is entirely dependent on its recognition by other states
devolution
the transfer of power from central government to subordinate regional or provincial institutions that have no share in sovereignty; their responsibilities and powers being derived entirely from the center
democratization
the transition from authoritarianism to liberal democracy, reflected in the granting of basic freedoms and political rights, the establishment of competitive elections and the introduction of market reforms
Transnationalism vs. the Nation State
the world has gone from national to transnational national and transnational must work together transnationalism requires state consent and guidance transnationalism builds state strength challenges boundaries
revolutions
total change to global politics - alliances - interstate war
reality of arab spring
while many countries were able to overthrow their leaders, finding stable leadership since then has been challenging (more radical groups have emerged from the power vacuum