Politics_and_International_Relations_Class4.pptx

Politics_and_International_Relations_Class4

1. Theoretical Perspectives in International Relations Class 4 Politics and International Relations

2. What is a Theory? Theory = A Strategic Toolkit Theories are lenses to decode complexity. They simplify chaos into patterns, helping you predict, analyze, and strategize.

3. Why Study Theories in International Business? 1️⃣ Navigate Ambiguity Real- world problems lack clear answers ( e.g ., Brexit’s impact on EU manufacturing ). Theories give structured approaches to tackle " unknown unknowns

4. Why Study Theories in International Business? 2️⃣ Decode Hidden Forces Realism : Power dynamics affecting trade deals . Liberalism : How institutions (WTO, IMF) shape market access . Marxism : Inequality driving consumer backlash ( e.g ., anti-sweatshop movements ).

5. Hans Morgenthau: Politics Among Nations

6. Intro Concepts Realism: politics governed by objective laws rooted in human nature National interest = power Morality limited in IR

7. Six Principles of Realism 1. Politics rooted in selfish human nature 2. Interest = power 3. Power as universal principle 4. Morality not always applicable 5. No fixed moral order among states 6. Politics autonomous from law/morality

8. Key Argument Balance of power prevents domination Alliances are temporary & instrumental Peace is fragile, based on equilibrium Diplomacy is art, not science Balance realism with prudence Ideals secondary to survival

9. Discussion Should states always act only for power, even at cost of morality?

10. Fred Halliday: Marxism & IR

11. Intro Concepts Marxism challenges mainstream IR Capitalism central to world politics IR often ignores socio-economic foundations

12. Three Great Debates & Marxism Idealism vs. Realism → Marxism mixes both Traditional vs. Behavioral → Science + history State vs. System → Capitalism & class at world level

13. Problems with IR IR avoids capitalism & class Marxism reduced to 'imperialism' Need to broaden beyond North–South

14. Key Argument International system shaped by capitalism & production States reflect socio-economic formations War, security, sovereignty linked to class interests Imperialism = destructive + creative Capitalism disrupts but also modernizes Not only exploitation, also transformation

15. Discussion Prompt How does focusing on capitalism change our view of conflicts today?

16. Joseph Nye: Soft Power

17. Intro Concepts Power = ability to influence others Hard vs. soft power 3D chessboard (military, economic, transnational)

18. Key Argument #1 Hard power = force, coercion, payments Soft power = attraction, legitimacy, values Sources of soft power: - Culture (Hollywood, education) - Political values (democracy, rights) - Foreign policy (legitimacy, alliances)

19. Key Argument #3 Soft power limited by context Works better in democracies Needs credibility (hypocrisy destroys it)

20. Discussion Prompt Can a country rely on soft power alone in conflicts?

21. Strengths and Limitations Historical Materialism ✅ Strengths: Explains economic inequalities, globalization patterns ❌ Weaknesses: Overemphasizes economics, undervalues cultural/security factors

22. Strengths and Limitations Soft Power Theory ✅ Strengths: Explains cultural influence, information age dynamics ❌ Weaknesses: Difficult to measure, may overstate culture's role

23. Strengths and Limitations Classical Realism ✅ Strengths: Explains conflict patterns, security priorities ❌ Weaknesses: Undervalues cooperation, non-state actors

24. Comparing Realism , Marxism and Liberalism Aspect Historical Materialism Soft Power Theory Classical Realism Primary Focus Economic structures, class relations Attraction, cultural influence Power competition, security Key Actors Economic classes States and non-state actors States Driving Force Material conditions Information and values Power and survival System Structure Global capitalism (core-periphery) Complex interdependence Anarchy with balance of power Main Conflicts Class struggle across borders Competition for legitimacy Security competition Change Mechanism Economic contradictions Shifting preferences Power shifts

25. Exercise Analyze the US-Russia recent meeting regarding Ukraine – Russia conflict through all three theoretical lenses: 1. Historical Materialist Analysis: What economic interests and class relations are involved? 2. Soft Power Analysis: Which actors have more cultural/political appeal and legitimacy? 3. Realist Analysis: What security concerns and power calculations drive behavior?

26. Exercise Analyze IKEA international expansion strategy and examine: How economic structures facilitate or constrain expansion How soft power assets (brand, culture, values) affect success How political/security considerations influence investment decisions

27. Spanish–E n glish Dictionary Coacción Coercion Disuasión Deterrence Política Exterior Foreign Policy Legitimidad Legitimacy Soberanía Sovereignty