Theories of International Relations.pptx

What is Theory?
A set of assumption, propositions, ideas, claims and surmise that is accepted as truth without further investigation.
It is a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based. It is an idea used to account for a situation or justify a course of action.
A theory is a foundational belief.
It is a generalized account of how the world works.
Purpose of Theory
Prediction
Explanation, and
Prescription
No single theory can always explain everything

1. Theories of International Relations P rof. Ramakrushna Pradhan Professor of Political Science Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University) Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

2. Theorizing IR What is Theory? A set of assumption, propositions, ideas, claims and surmise that is accepted as truth without further investigation. It is a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based. It is an idea used to account for a situation or justify a course of action. A theory is a foundational belief. It is a generalized account of how the world works. Purpose of Theory Prediction Explanation, and Prescription No single theory can always explain everything

3. Types of Theory Empirical Theory (Positivism) Explain and predict by reducing the complexity of reality. core assumptions What is Discover and describe facts External to the observer Verifiable Testability Accuracy Value neutrality

4. Types of theory… 2. Normative Theory Challenge reality with reference to normative/value standpoint and develop strategy to change it fundamentally. Core Assumptions What ought to be Determine and prescribe values Speculation and logic Moral Principles Purpose of theory Prediction Explanation and Prescription

5. Theory Building The procedure adopted to build good theory and evaluate its accuracy is called ‘Methodology’.

6. Levels of Analysis Individual Level: Leadership Personality, background and belief The Unit Level: State, FP, Political System, Power, Territory, Population etc. The Global System: Structural factors – distribution of power, wealth, attitudes and other key features of the world as a whole.

7. Theories of IR Realism , Liberalism , Marxism , Constructivism , Feminism , Rationalism , Post-modernism , Post-colonialism

8. Realism Also known as power politics or realpolitik , the Realist Theory is the oldest school of thought in IR. Its origin traces back to great historian Thucydides (who has provided the realist account of the Peloponnesian war (431 BC). It has its journey through Chanakya ( Arthashastra ), Sun Tzu (The Art of War), Machiavelli (The Prince), Hobbes (Leviathan) and Rousseau (The Social Contract) to be accepted as a philosophy of Realism in 18 th & 19 th Century. It was revived only during the World Wars and flourished after Second World War. The foundation of this theory was established by Reinhold Niebuhr followed by Kenneth Thompson, Arnold Wolfers, Fredrick Schuman, Nicholas Spykman , George Kennan and others. However, Hans Morgenthau is considered as the father of realism for his seminal contribution in promoting this theory.

9. Tenets of Realism State is the only, supreme and ultimate actor in IR IR begins and ends with the state. States work only to increase their own power relative to that of other states. The world is a harsh and dangerous place. The only certainty in the world is power. A powerful state will always outdo and outlast the weaker competitors. The most reliable form of power is Military Power. A state’s primary interest is self-preservation. There is no overreaching power that can enforce global rules. Moral Behaviour is very risky and undermine a state’s capability to protect itself. Leaders may be moral but foreign policy shouldn’t be guided by morality. International Organization and Laws have no force and exist as long as states accept them.

10. Core Principles of Realism Statism Anarchy (absence of a central regulating authority) Survival (survival of the fittest) Power Maximization (Military power) Self-Help (self-protection)

11. Morgenthau’s Six Principles of Realism 1. Politics is governed by objective Laws which have their roots in Human Nature. 2. National Interest is defined in terms of power. 3. Interests are dynamic 4. U niversal Moral Principles are not applicable to state behaviour . 5. Moral aspirations of a nation is not justified. 6. Autonomy in Political sphere.

12. Key Concept of Realism National Interest National Power National Security Power Maximization Balance of Power Deterrence and Compellence

13. Liberalism Focus on the creation of a peaceful world by integration Based on the assumption of the innate goodness of the individual and the value of political institutions in promoting social progress • states, nongovernmental organizations, and intergovernmental organizations as key actors IOs (UN, WTO, ICC) NGOs ( Medecins Sans Frontiers, Greenpeace, Amnesty International) Individuals / Moral Entrepreneurs: Henri Dunant • interdependent global society with international institutions facilitating cooperation