Global PoliticsTheories
These will be the basis of most of your arguments for exams and presentations, hence it is very important to know them.
1. Realism
Nation-states should look after themselves. Human nature is inherently competitive, and thus, states will seek their own self-interest to the disadvantage of others. Seek peace, but prepare for war.
- 1. States operate in an anarchic global system
- 2. All states possess some offensive military capability
- 3. States can never know the intentions of other states
- 4. The main goal of states is survival
- 5. States are rational actors
Assumptions of Structural Realism:
2. Liberalism
The natural state of things is not war; thus, states should seek to co-exist first and foremost. One state gaining something does not need to hurt another. Preparing for war is not the natural state of things.
- Emerged after World War II.
- America became a key player in the world order, rebuilding Europe after its destruction (The Marshall Plan).
- This cost the U.S. billions of dollars, although it was in their best interest.
- Political implications: pushing back the "iron curtain", extending US/western dominance across the globe.
- True implications: pushing back communism in a new era of bipolarity.
Liberal Global World Order:
3. Neoliberalism
The state should be involved as little as possible, allowing for the flourishing of the free market. The invisible hand is the best way to achieve human development and to distribute wealth.
4. Relativism
The idea that values/beliefs are relative/dependent on each state, and that there are no universally agreed upon values. This means that global cooperation is often difficult or even impossible. Critiques universal initiatives as Western imperialism.
5. Universalism
The idea that values/beliefs are relative/dependent on each state, and that there are no universally agreed upon values. This means that global cooperation is often difficult or even impossible. Critiques universal initiatives as Western imperialism.
6. Modernization Theory
The idea that all nations go through a similar five-stage process of economic development, involving:
1) Traditional society
2) Pre-conditions for take-off
3) Take off
4) Drive to maturity
5) Mass consumption
7. Dependency Theory
Divides the world into the Global North (core) and Global South (periphery) to explain how developing nations are kept dependent on trade with developed countries. In this situation, resources flow from the periphery to the core, which enriches the latter at the expense of the former. The opposite of Rostow's modernization theory.
8. Just War Theory
Provides the preconditions for a justified war/campaign, also known as jus ad bellum: “the right to go to war”.
- Just cause: A good reason to go to war (not for material gain).
- Comparative justice: One party has been more damaged than the other.
- Competent authority: The right person has to call the war.
- Right intention: One should be correcting wrongs, not gaining resources.
- Proportionality: Do not overdo it.
Key Aspects:
9. Galtung's Conflict Triangle
A model for understanding motivation in conflict by breaking it into three different categories: attitudes/assumptions, behaviour, and contradictions.
10. Ecological Theory
Places environmental concerns ahead of human concerns, distancing itself from the state. Concerns about how we can live sustainably across the world, which has no relevance to state borders/sovereignty.
11. Post-Colonialism (Edward Said)
Similar to dependency theory in its critique of the hierarchical global north/south order, but focuses less on capitalism's impact and more on a historical understanding of colonialism and how it links to racism and other forms of discrimination.
12. Constructivism
Causes us to question our own reality and how we perceive it, by boiling down state behaviour to the individuals that make it up. Rather than focusing on the power and influence of a nation, it focuses on the ideas and norms that the people build.
13. Orientalism (also Edward Said)
A Western colonialist perception of viewing the East, or more broadly, anyone who does not fit traditional Western customs.
14. Marxism
A theory that suggests a need to re-evaluate man-made institutions/rules that aren't natural. Also called “Neo-Marxism”, Marxism relates to the idea of looking at capitalism's influence on state behaviour to understand their motivations. Criticizes the capitalistic motivations of countries, considering: material conditions, social relations, and the wider global economy.
15. Feminism
Feminist theory taken to a global scale. It critiques the wider role of women in society and how gender norms are viewed cross-culturally. It challenges gender norms that have been embedded within global politics itself.
16. Capitalism
Philosophically inspired by Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations". Capitalism is very synonymous with neoliberalism and the belief in the free market. However, not all capitalism is libertarian, and there can be varying degrees of government involvement.
17. Galtung's Violence Triangle
A Model for understanding violence:
a) Direct violence is intentional, usually brief, and can be lethal.
b) Structural violence is how a society structures itself to benefit some individuals over others - "violence through omission".
c) Cultural violence is an addition to structural violence - 'legitimizing' it and providing a rationale which society believes to be true.
