Midterm Flashcards
(34 cards)
Epistemology
How we know things, how we can know about the existence of things. Shapes how we understand and define theories in international relations.
Ontology
World view, what the world is made of, what exists. Shapes how we understand and define theories in international relations.
Treaties of Westphalia
Series of treaties that ended the Thirty Years’ War in Europe. Created the international system; sovereignty replaces a system of overlapping authorities.
Anarchy
Absence of power. Represents the relationship between states on an international scale—the international system operates without a higher power.
Rationality
One of Mearsheimer’s 5 assumptions—assumed that actors make choices to maximize their interests. Allows for understanding and prediction of state behavior.
Uncertainty
Lack of knowledge regarding other states’ intentions. When combined with anarchy, it becomes dangerous.
Security dilemma
When actions taken by a state to increase its security make other states feel less secure, leading to a spiral of tension.
Security paradox
The result of a security dilemma. Actions intended to enhance security actually decrease overall security due to rising tensions.
Other’s minds problem
The idea that we can never fully know another mind’s thoughts, only infer intentions based on actions. Relevant in state decision-making.
Ambiguous Symbolism of weapons
Intent behind military capabilities is often unclear, leading to uncertainty. Weapons can represent both security and threat.
Self-help system
Every state must protect itself due to anarchy and uncertainty. Key concept in structural realism and reasons for war.
Power (Classical Realism)
Human nature desires power, which equals influence. Politics is a struggle for power.
Power (Structural Realism)
Power means capabilities. States seek to maximize security. Determines a state’s influence in the international system.
Community (Classical Realism)
Stronger political communities can avoid conflict but not eliminate it. Domestic and international politics are similar due to community limits.
Balance of Power
Ensures no state becomes too powerful in the international system. Key in structural realism to maintain stability.
Polarity (unipolarity/bipolarity/multipolarity)
Distribution of power among states. Helps explain global stability, conflict, and alliances.
Buck-passing
A strategy where states avoid confronting a threat, relying on others to act. Common in multipolar systems.
Defensive Realism
States should seek an appropriate amount of power. Balance of power emerges, reducing conflict probability.
Offensive Realism
Leadership and dominance are the ultimate goals. Power ensures safety, but increases conflict probability.
Revisionist states
Seek to change the international system or power distribution. Can challenge global order and cause conflict.
Status quo states
Seek to maintain existing power structures. Helps predict stability and international political outcomes.
Offense-Defense balance
Explains whether offensive or defensive strategies have the advantage. War is more likely when offense dominates.
Kantian Triangle
Democracy, economic interdependence, and international organizations promote peace.
Democratic Peace Theory
Democracies don’t fight each other. Suggests democratic states are less likely to go to war.
