International Politics on the World Stage
WORLD POLITICS
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS ON THE
WORLD STAGE
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International
Politics
International Politics on the World Stage
The Evolving World system:
3)
1)
The world is more than just the sum of its parts
2)
World politics is more than just the sum of the
individual interactions among the parts
There are general patterns of interactions among the
parts (the system´s actors)
International Politics on the World Stage
Greece and Rome
”From tribal communities to city-states and
empires”
Ethnicity - Religion - Territory Sovereignty …..
”Politics” (Aristotle) = a system of
government based on law
International Politics on the World Stage
Local authority in the Middle Ages
Feudalism
Decline of the feudal system: Advances in military
technology ; Economic expansion – improved trade
Overarching authority in the Middle Ages
Religious
Secular
Decline of universalistic authority: Effects of the
Renaissance period + the Protestant Reformation +
the Treaty of Westphalia (the State = dominant actor)
International Politics on the World Stage
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
IMPERIALISM
A MULTIPOLAR INTERNATIONAL
SYSTEM
BALANCE OF POWER
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Growing tensions in the multi-polar/multiethnic system
*NATIONALISM
*WARS AND THEIR EFFECTS
The Cold War and the Bi-Polar System
After the Cold War = One Hegemon or …?
International Politics on the World Stage
Global Economics and Security
in the 21st Century
• Economic interdependence/disparities
• Human Rights
• The Environment
• Military Technology (WoM)
International Politics on the World Stage
REALISM and LIBERALISM
Two Theories of International Relations
*Human nature
*Main cause of
Conflict
*Conflict in IR
*Analytical focus
*Role of states
Realist
Pessimist
Aggressive human
nature + failure of
great states to use
their power wisely
Inevitable
States (leaders)
Core/Nat interests
Liberal
Optimist
National greed + insecurity
due to anarchy + few restraints on power
Not inevitable
States + Int Org + Int Norms
Central but will diminish in
favor of Int Org
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Realist
*Policy prescriptions Pursue self interest
Expand power
*Key concepts
Power, self-interest,
anarchy, BoP
*Morality
State and indiv morality not the same
State obliged to guarrantee safety and wellfare of its citizens
*Means to achieve Promote power of
Goals
own state
Liberal
Create norms of justice
and peace, promote dem
Cooperation, int norms,
peace, justice, democracy
State and indiv morality
the same
Create int norms, build
Int Orgs, provide justice
and econ dev for all
International Politics on the World Stage
Three Levels of Analysis
1) Systems level
2) State level
3) Individual level
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Vertical and Horizontal
Authority Structures
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The Actors
• States
• Intergovernmental Organizations
• Transnational Organizations
• Corporations active in the World Market
• Transnational Corporations
International Politics on the World Stage
Factors which affect ”Actor Power”
• Territory
• Population (size, homogeneity,…)
• Political stability
• Economic resources
• Natural resources
• Military resources
• Technological level/Industrial capacity
• Level of citizens´ living standard
• External actors, Membership in Alliances
• …….
International Politics on the World Stage
State authority challenged by:
• Internal opposition
- minority groups (alternative governance)
- organized econ/pol interests
- guerilla/terrorist groups
• External actors
- ”Big powers”
- Alliances
- International organizations (int law)
- Popular movements (HR, Environ)
International Politics on the World Stage
State Foreign Policy Goals
• Security
• Economy/Living standard
• Ideology
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International/transnational organization
goals
Company goals
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Foreign policy means
• Diplomacy – Negotiations
• Military
• Economic
• Psychological
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Restricting factors
• International law (Courts/Tribunals)
• International agreements
• Alliances
• Effective channels for world-wide
communication/negotiation
• Increased transnationalization
• Democratic governance
• Extended resources for conflict prevention and
conflict management