Unit 3 Seminar

You will be getting a break during Unit 4-there are no grade assignments due

The exam that you took for Unit 3 was not graded-I am working to get the Assignment link fixed.

For Unit 5, you will begin looking at the Scenario that will be used for your Unit 8 and Unit 9 projects. Take a look at it and let me know which role you would like to undertake.

Principles1. Anarchy2. The state is the main actor-no governing

body3. State is a unitary actor4. Rationality-use of cost/benefit analysis

Security Dilemma States are insecure States purchase weapons to defend or

defeat potential enemies Result is an “arms race”

Power Power keeps states safe. Power enables states to coerce or threaten

other states in order to protect itself. State’s national interest is obtaining more

power. States compete in pursuit of power. Questions▪ How to measure? Resource v. Outcome▪ Source of power important?▪ Preponderance of resources?▪ Defining power? Military v. Economic

Prescriptions Government’s should increase the states power War is acceptable foreign policy

Criticisms Appropriate use of anarchy? State as basic unit of analysis? State as unitary and rational actor? No clear or testable predictions about state

behavior Does define why more resources equals power

Principles Believes in the rationality of individuals Individuals know what is in their best

interest Advocate liberal democracy as the best

form of government The problems of anarchy can be solved

Role of State States do compete for power in international

politics

Role of State States also compete for economic power States can come together in the pursuit

of common goals State is not the only actor in

international politics Actors have incentives to cooperate and

incentives to be in conflict with others.

Variant of Liberalism Level of Analysis Departure from Realism

Liberal Institutionalism: System. Retains basic assumption of balance of power theory.

Anarchy does not necessarily lead to conflict. Cooperation is possible.

Complex Interdependence Theory Sub-state, but not exclusively. Focuses on individuals, firms, NGOs, and organizations within governments as key actors.

States are not the only important actors. Actors have diverse interests in international politics. Much of IR has little to do with military security.

Democratic Peace Theory State. Focuses on what kind of government the state has.

State are not all essentially the same. Liberal (democratic) states can solve disputes without war.