Mid term 1 Flashcards
(77 cards)
IR Theory
Theories developed to describe and predict international events and processes.
(e.g., Realism, Liberalism)
Shapes our understanding of power dynamics, cooperation, and conflict in the international relations
ontology
Establishing the fundamental conditions of reality. Assumptions about what ‘entities’ exist in global politics (e.g., states, organizations, individuals).
IR Theory attempts to establish the ontology of the international system in which states act.
Classical Conservatism
A political ideology prominent throughout European history,
To conserve traditions and institutions of the past
with 4 key tenets of Historical Utilitarianism, Humans being imperfectible, Anti-Egalitarianism, and government intervention
Significance in IR: It was the most influential ideology for much of human history, and let to the development of Classical Liberalism
Contemporary Conservatism
Modern ideology aiming to
Conserve capitalism, individualism, limited government, religious institutions
Influences policies that stress national interest, military strength, and skepticism toward supranational institutions.
What characterizes Classical Liberalism?
A political ideology that became a force in late 1700s
Most important value is the liberty of the individual.
advocating individual freedom, limited government, and free markets.
Laid the groundwork for contemporary conservatism and democracy as we know it.
And is a very popular Ideology today
What is Contemporary Liberalism?
A form of liberalism that supports government intervention to achieve social justice while maintaining individual rights. Sill pro capitalist, but no completely free market
Significance in IR: It is a strong political force today in canada and associates with a lot of strong leaders.
Socialism
An ideology popular in the 20th century opposed to conservatism and liberalism
economic equality, collective ownership, and the reduction of class-based disparities. In order for people to be free, the economy must change, not the government
Encourages critiques of global capitalism and supports cooperation among states to achieve social welfare goals, has influenced a lot of politics today.
What is the Political Spectrum?
A system classifying political positions—usually left (progressive) to right (conservative).
aHelps categorize states’ foreign policies and ideological alliances, influencing international alignments and conflicts.
Ideal Type
A conceptual tool developed by Max Weber to simplify and analyze complex social phenomena by highlighting core characteristics.
Significance in IR: Guides theoretical models (e.g., ‘ideal’ forms of states or governments) to help explain policy behaviors and outcomes.
What is Historical Utilitarianism?
The idea that institutions have lasted over time because they have played an important role in making society stable, therefore are morally good based the sort of utilitarianism.
Significance in IR: Key tenet to classical conservatism, and a factor of the ideology that was prominent for much of European history.
Influences decision-making by promoting policies deemed to yield the greatest benefit for the most people globally.
What does Perfectability mean in political thought?
The belief that humans (and societies) can continually improve toward an ideal.
Shapes liberal and progressive foreign policies that stress development, democracy promotion, and conflict resolution.
what is Anti-egalitarianism?
A stance against the idea of some people are naturally leaders and others are naturally followers, this is called a natural hierarchy
Key tenet of classical conservatism
Can justify power imbalances between states, influence colonial or hegemonic attitudes, and affect resource distribution.
How is Liberty viewed in international relations?
means freedom from restrictions to action, especially legal or governmental imposed restriction
Significance in IR: The CORE POSITION TO CLASS> LIBERALISM. Drives policies promoting democratic governance, human rights, and resistance to authoritarian regimes.
Capitalism
An economic system based on private ownership and free markets. Often criticized for class disparities and a component of a mixed political economy.
Very popular with the rise of Classical liberlasim and a core value of classical conservatism,
Creates global economic interdependence, influences trade policies, and shapes power structures between developed and developing nations.
What is Social Democracy?
A political approach combining free-market capitalism with social welfare measures and government regulation.
Significance in IR: Encourages social justice in global policies and supports cooperative international frameworks for economic and social development.
Political Economy
, a general consensus has formed around the need for a mixed-economy model of political economy
Within this model, a common disagreement is one of emphasis on taxation rates, government spending, and in general the best way to manage and grow the economy
This can be summed up in the debate between “supply-side” and “demand-side” economics
Significance in IR: The political economy is a vital component to politics and is the subject of a lot of contemporary debate.
Supply-Side Economics
An economic theory that lowers taxes and deregulation stimulates production, boosting overall growth.
Significance in IR: Part of the debate when talking about the political economy, being the more contemporary conservative side, has been the main philosophy in the west for much of its growth.
How does Demand-Side Economics influence global policy?
Advocates government spending and policies to increase consumer demand for fostering economic growth.
Significance in IR: Impacts international fiscal coordination, especially in times of recession or global financial crises.
How is “the Nation” defined in IR?
A cultural or ethnic community sharing common identity, history, language, or traditions.
Significance in IR: Nationalism shapes state legitimacy, sovereignty claims, and international conflicts or alliances.
What is the “Age of Nationalism”?
A historical period (19th–20th century) where nationalist movements rose, reshaping states and empires.
Significance in IR: Redefined political boundaries, spurred independence movements, and influenced wars and alliances.
What characterizes Modern Nationalism?
A contemporary form of nationalism emphasizing self-governance and national identity within modern states.
Significance in IR: Continues to influence foreign policy, border disputes, and populist movements worldwide.
Why is Sovereignty central to IR?
The principle that states have supreme authority within their territory and independence from external interference.
Significance in IR: Forms the legal and normative basis of international relations, guiding diplomacy, treaties, and conflict resolution.
What is meant by “The Homeland” in IR?
The territory considered one’s native country or nation, often linked to national security and identity.
Significance in IR: Protecting the homeland underpins foreign and defense policies, especially regarding threats and immigration.
Why is the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) significant?
A series of treaties ending the Thirty Years’ War, establishing state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Significance in IR: Laid the foundation for the modern international system based on sovereign states.
