Levels of Analysis

Question 1

Define levels of analysis

Answer 1

analytical framework based on the ideas that events in international relations can be explained by looking at individuals, states, or the international system and that causes at each level can be separated from causes at other levels

Question 2

What is system?

Answer 2

A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a complex whole

Question 3

What are two things realists believe about the international system?

Answer 3

• it’s anarchic
• it’s ineffective at keeping the peace

Question 4

What is a unipolar system?

Answer 4

A system where power is concentrated in one place

Question 5

What is an example of a unipolar system?

Answer 5

The USA in the 2000s

Question 6

What is a bipolar system?

Answer 6

A system where power is concentrated in two places

Question 7

What is an example of a bipolar system?

Answer 7

The USA and the USSR

Question 8

What is a multipolar system?

Answer 8

A system where power is concentrated in more than two countries

Question 9

What is an example of a multipolar system?

Answer 9

Europe before World War II

Question 10

When can multipolar systems work?

Answer 10

If the state actors work together and cooperate to maintain the balance of power between them. If one country tries to become more powerful the system falls apart.

Question 11

What are three strengths of bipolar systems?

Answer 11

• Longer lasting, more permanent alliances
• Less fighting amongst big powers and more diplomacy
• Everyone knows who their biggest threat is instead of being suspicious of your allies

Question 12

What two arguments do realists make that the US’ status as the hegemon is dwindling?

Answer 12

• China, the EU, Brazil and India are all rising economically
• Many countries, including China and India, are getting more nukes

Question 13

What does neorealist theorist Kenneth Waltz argue about a bipolar system?

Answer 13

Waltz arguest that the bipolar system is the most stable structure

Question 14

What four reasons does Kenneth Waltz believe a bipolar system is the most stable structure?

Answer 14

• The two sides can hold each other accountable
• As there are two poles that are much more powerful than other state actors they can focus their activity exclusively on each other
• Based on history each state can accurately predict the actions of each other
• Each pole tries to preserve the balance of power to preserve itself and the nature of the system

Question 15

What is a weakness of bipolar systems?

Answer 15

They are difficult to formally regulate as neither uncommitted states nor international organisations can reliably direct the actions of the two poles as they are so powerful

Question 16

What is a potentially more effective alternative to formal regulation in bipolar systems?

Answer 16

Informal regulation

Question 17

What is informal regualtion?

Answer 17

When a pole faces the immediate consequences of its actions

Question 18

What do neorealists believe about multipolar systems?

Answer 18

It is harder for there to be a balance of power as there is more uncertainty of whether a threat will occur