PSIR: legitimacy

Question 1

legitimacy

Answer 1

an actor or action being commonly considered acceptable. citizens accept a state’s fundamental right to rule over them

Question 2

3 opinions on what gives a state legitimacy

Answer 2

Aristotle: A system is legitimate only when it benefits the whole society and not the selfish needs of the rulers. (When it is fair)

Jean-Jacques Rousseau: A system is legitimate if it was based on the “general will” of the governed. (When it reflect individual desires)

David Beetham: Legitimacy is conferred only upon regimes that exercise power according to established and accepted principles, notably regimes that rule on the basis of popular consent. (When rules are followed)

Question 3

social contract theory

Answer 3

It is an implicit agreement among members of a society. Individuals must give up some of their liberties in exchange for protection.

Question 4

ideological hegemony

Answer 4

If Legitimacy is a belief (ideology), than it can be manufactured (created)
Totalitarian regimes gain legitimacy by creating and maintaining an official ideology.

Question 5

how do totalitarian regimes create ideological hegemony?

Answer 5

• Suppressing all rival doctrines and beliefs (discredit or censor)
• Education- Ideological indoctrination
• Mass Media-A propaganda machine
• Opposition is stamped out

Question 6

NeoMarxist Criticism of Democracies

Answer 6

Constitutionalism and democracy is a facade which conceals the domination of the “power elite” or “ruling class”.
We manipulated to think the system works for us when in reality it doesn’t.

Question 7

how can a state lose legitimacy? (3)

Answer 7

1. the social contract is broken
2. Rules are not being upheld (whether real or perceived)
3. ideological divisions

Question 8

4 Arguments FOR questioning Legitimacy

Answer 8

1. If a state is deemed illegitimate and cannot provide the basic needs to its citizens than the international community has a duty to protect- a concept that underscores Sovereignty
2. Illegitimate states can create problems for their neighbors (refugee crises or terrorism)
3. Failing states do not have the capacity to improve on the well-being of its citizens (can get caught in a loop)
4. Financial cost is very high of a failed state in Civil War.

Question 9

4 Arguments AGAINST questioning Legitimacy

Answer 9

1. Concept of legitimation is Western in origin- some states could contend that it doesn’t apply in their situation
2. No set international parameters for evaluating legitimacy or when the level is serious enough to be questioned
3. Questions of legitimacy and intervention could be seen as imperialistic.
4. Who possess the authority to decide when the legitimacy of a state can be questioned?