Exam 3 Flashcards
(217 cards)
What is the definition of alliances?
A formal or informal association of states for the (threat of) use of military force, in specified circumstances, against actors external to the alliance
What is a bilateral alliance?
An alliance with two states
What is a multilateral alliance?
An alliance with 3 or more states
Are most alliance offensive or defensive?
Defensive
What are related concepts to alliances?
Strategic partnerships (less commitment), non-aggression pacts, coalitions, hedging
What is a coalition?
Transitory cooperation (no permanent headquarters/staff/budgets)
What is hedging?
Adopting ambiguous practices to avoid having to choose sides
What are some international determinants of alliances?
Face a rising power, face a rising threat, to control allies, and obtain foreign assistance
What are some domestic determinants of alliances?
Similar regime-type and ideology (facilitate common interests and threat assessments), domestic political calculations (enhance the legitimacy of a weak leader), alliances among liberal states are especially song (but different ideologies is not always a barrier to alliance)
How are alliances institutionalized?
Bureaucracies have a vested interest in self-perpetuation and have an interest in task expansion
How do alliances cause socialization?
Allies increasingly trade and exchange tech/ideas/people and members develop deeper affinities with each other
How many allies does the US have?
68
What was America’s stance on alliances before 1941?
Alliances were seen as a risk and constraint
What was the first turning point in the US stance on alliances?
Pear Harbor
When was Pearl Harbor?
1941
What was the US realization on alliances after Pearl Harbor?
Made US leaders adopt a strategy of defense in depth, or a need to have US bases in Eurasia to stem potential threats
What was the second turning point in the US stance on alliances?
The globalization of the Cold War
What happened in 1950 that made the US realize they need alliances?
The Sino-Soviet alliance and the Korean War
What alliances did the US create after 1950 in response to the globalization of the Cold War?
NATO/ANZUS/alliance with Japan/CENTO/SEATO
What was the stance of the US on alliances post-Cold War?
Renewed endorsement
Why do some scholars believe that alliances are a huge asset to the US?
The deter adversaries, huge boost for US prestige, and make other states dependent on the US
Why do some scholars believe alliances can hurt US interests?
Risk of entrapment in local conflicts, risk of major financial burdens, risk of allies free-riding, and risk of antagonizing non-members
What are the main difficulties of US alliance management?
Tensions between military integration and political autonomy, different threat assessments, political backlash against US bases abroad, and cultural barriers
When was NATO created?
1949