Lecture 1

Question 1

Theory definition

Answer 1

Theory is like grammar, it helps form a conceptual model which helps to analyse inter system. It helps to analyse causes of events in IR. Theory is a system of explanations that can be explained by events in history of IR/ help to understand complex reality. Theory is an accepted hypothesis. No theory can help to understand the world.

Question 2

Theory functions

Answer 2

It explains what is happening, why it’s happening and predict what will happen. To understand the world, make predictions and reflect what is happening in the real world. Different agendas are explained by different theories. Cox - theories were done for someone, they are not objective and have certain perspective and set of values.

Question 3

Hoffman simile

Answer 3

Theories are like airplanes as they go to different directions and with different altitudes

Question 4

History of ideas of IR

Answer 4

Description of genetic development of concepts, doctrines of thought of IR

Question 5

History of IR as a scientific discipline

Answer 5

Systematization of institutional development of discipline

Question 6

Philosophy of IR

Answer 6

Analysis of norms of existing international society

Question 7

Epistemology of IR

Answer 7

Meta-reflection of assumptions, formation of criteria for deciding on logical and scientific status of general statements

Question 8

Cognitive map

Answer 8

Helps to link cause and effect, organises reality

Question 9

Epistemology

Answer 9

Branch of philosophy that studies how we produce and acquire knowledge

Question 10

Ontology

Answer 10

Branch that studies the nature of being - things that exits in our minds

Question 11

Positivist theories

Answer 11

Share a common feature

Question 12

Post-positivst theories

Answer 12

Denounce objective truth about social life, reject possibility of science in IR

Question 13

Normative theory

Answer 13

Prescribes means for achieving spceific goals

Question 14

Empirical theory

Answer 14

Clear verifiable statements about relationships between variables

Question 15

Stages of theories

Answer 15

1) 1909-1919 formation
2) WWII and becoming theoretical search
3) Approving scientific validity of IR search
1940s-60s realism
1960-70 neomarxism
1970-1990 neorealism, liberalism
1990 - rationalism
4) Revision
1990s constructivism

Question 16

Factors important for IR

Answer 16

Causes that are common, that have most impact, that we can change

Question 17

Kenneth Waltz 3 images of analysis

Answer 17

From “Man, the State and War”. 1959. 3 levels to categorize all theories of war and conflict

Question 18

1st image/ level

Answer 18

Individual. Individual decision making, question of perception, role of individual policymakers on local and global levels, analysis of states’ behavior from pov of individuals. Behavior of a state depends on the leader’s understanding of inter system. EG Rus-West-EU conflict about Ukraine

Question 19

2nd image

Answer 19

State. Hard to analyse. Policymaking has to be done in a certain political structure. States’ behavior as a result of development at national level.

Question 20

3rd image

Answer 20

System level. Introduced by Waltz. Analyses state by looking at the international system. Key factor of inter system is power of state. States’ characteristics change based on the Inter system. EG change from bipolar to unipolar system in the 90s

Question 21

Singer

Answer 21

1961. “Level of analysis problem in IR”. Ignored the 1st level.