Theories of International Relations n n Theories on

Theories of International Relations n n …Theories on International Relations attempt to explain the forces guiding the competitions and relationships among States. Here are the main 3 we’ll cover: Realism Idealism (Liberalism or “Liberal Institutionalism) Constructivism

Realism n n According to this theory, POWER is the only thing that governs in the end… the ability to influence others. Irrelevance of morality and ethics Irrelevance of domestic political systems Why is power the only thing that matters? Human nature n Anarchic world: no rules n

Realism n n All nations are self-reliant To preserve peace, use Balance of Power US vs. USSR in Cold War n US—China—Japan in East Asia n n Unipolarity, or an imbalance of power, cannot last n Nations will balance against US power

The Cold War Balance of Power 1945 -1990 Israel Ethiopia Taiwan S. Korea S. Viet Nam W. Berlin W. Germany Syria/Egypt Somalia China N. Korea N. Viet Nam E. Berlin E. Germany Britain/France/Japan Poland/Czech US USSR

Unipolar World EU Japan Russia China India US

Realism n What is Power? ? What features, capabilities, advantages, etc. . create power?

Power?

US: Weak Neighbors, Big Oceans

Power

Power?

Power: Information

Power: Political Unity/Stability

Power? Shanghai, China

Power? Jaipur, India

Power? n Thailand Algeria South Korea

Power?

Idealism/Liberalism I n n n Power is not the only thing that matters States have common interests and common values Trade is a key common interest

Idealism/Liberalism Key Common Interests: n Global Marketplace n Interdependence n Desire for rules n Desire for predictability and stability n International system is based on laws (Treaties) and institutions (UN, WTO) n International law

UN General Assembly, New York

International Court of Justice, The Hague, Netherlands

WTO, Geneva

International Law n n Sovereignty Voluntary Choosing Cooperation over Rivalry Multilateral Treaties Depository

Constructivism n n n Nation-states are not all alike Political culture shapes foreign policy Form of government shapes foreign policy History shapes foreign policy Domestic political trends and debates shape foreign policy

Constructivism n n n States have Identity State identity influences the way states interact with each other Examples: China sensitivity to any policies of other states that threaten its unity and sovereignty n Russia’s fear of invasion n US desire to transform the world n

Russian fear of invasion

China 21 st Century

China Colonized… like Russia, part of their identity is defined by fear of invasion

US: Woodrow Wilson, 1917 n “The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty. We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind. We shall be satisfied when those rights have been made as secure as the faith and the freedom of nations can make them. “

US: GW Bush, 2005 n “And we have declared our own intention: America will stand with the allies of freedom to support democratic movements in the Middle East and beyond, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. “