Political Science 418: International Relations Theory
Spring 1999
Professor Scott Bennett
154 N. Burrowes
865-6566
sbennett@psu.edu
Office Hours:
4-5 PM Tuesday and Thursday
11:15-12:00 PM Tuesday and Thursday
and by appointment.
Class: Tuesday and Thursday 2:30-3:45.
Course Goals and Overview
This is the main political science course on theory in international politics. A theory is nothing more than a
coherent, logical explanation for some phenomenon. In the case of this course, we will be focusing on two major
areas, international conflict (war) and international economic relations. War has been a part of international politics
for thousands of years. Yet it is still difficult to predict when wars will occur. Similarly, countries (and city-states,
and empires) have been trading for centuries. However, despite the currently dominant ideology of free trade, there
are countries who refuse to become involved in the international economic arena. There is also still a major debate
about how best to promote economic, social, and political development in less-developed countries. We will
investigate questions such as "why conflict?" "why trade?" and "why development?" in this course.
Moreover, we will be examining these questions scientifically, meaning "by constructing and testing
theories." We will investigate how to construct logical theories (explanations) of international politics, what makes a
good theory, and begin to investigate how to test different theories using data.
This course has three major goals. First, you should come away from this course with an idea of what the
scientific study of “Political Science” is all about. Second, you should have an understanding of what it takes to
create, test, evaluate, and apply theory. Third, you should come away from the course knowing some general
theories about, and with an understanding of, international conflict and the international economy. You should use
these theories when you think about why things are happening in international politics in the future.
The course is divided into several parts. In the first section, we will examine the motivation for the whole
field of political science. We will define politics and science, and examine the importance of theory. In the second
section of the course we will examine several theories of war and international conflict. In the third section of the
class, we will look at international economic relations and international development. We will use some of the same
theories we learned in part 2 to help us in understanding economic relations, as well as examining theories specific to
international economics. Throughout the course we will examine trends in the international system and how they
may have affected the applicability of the theories we discuss.
Because of the multiple goals of this class, readings in the course are of three major types. Some readings
will address questions of "what is a theory," "why is theory important," and "how do you test theory?" A second
type of reading is primarily theoretical, and discuss possible explanations for behavior in international politics.
These readings specify a set of logical connections between events and causes in the world and the outbreak of war
and formation of economic relationships. A final set of readings are primarily empirical (empirical means “using
data”), and explore whether or not some theory is a good explanation for a particular event or set of events. These
readings present and discuss evidence that supports or disconfirms some theory or theories.
Assignments
Exam 1: 20% (around 2/18)
Exam 2: 20% (around 3/23)
Paper: 30% (due 4/15; preliminary sections due 3/23, 3/30, 4/6)
Final: 25% (Cumulative; during finals week)
Participation: 5%
The exams will consist of short answer and essay questions. The first two exams will each cover just the
preceding section of material. The final exam will be cumulative, and will have short answer questions and 2 to 3
essay questions.
We will discuss the paper in detail before it is due. The assignment will be for you to analyze some
historical event in the international political system and apply 2 theories of international politics to it. You will treat
the theories as two alternative explanations for WHY the event developed in the the way it did. You will then
discuss what evidence you would use to distinguish which theory is correct. Finally, you will present the results of
research which you did to distinguish which theory is a better explanation for the event.
The paper will be 10-20 pages in length.
Papers are due at THE BEGINNING of the class period when they are due. Papers will be marked down
1/2 of a grade for each day they are late. Turn your paper in on time!
Spelling and grammar will count for at least one letter grade of your paper. That is, a B paper with many
errors will receive a C. Papers must be typed (or word-processed), must have normal margins (1 to 1-1/4 inches) and
must have page numbers on them.
You will have to turn in to me preliminary parts of the paper at 3 points along the way:
1) Paper topic (what event are you analyzing?) [due 3/23]
2) Preliminary theories and evidence (what 2 theories, what type of evidence do you need and will you look
for to make your argument?) [due 3/30]
3) Detailed paper outline and bibliography [due 4/6]
Complete paper due 4/15.
Each of these components is worth 1/3 of a letter grade. If you do not turn these in ON TIME, or if they are
not satisfactory, you will lose 1/3 grade each on the final paper.
Readings
I expect you to read everything listed on the syllabus for a particular date before class. The lectures will
not duplicate the reading. Instead, the lectures will present other viewpoints, relate ideas to the rest of the course,
and clarify tricky concepts. The reading load is not light, but neither is it too heavy. Some readings take more time
than others, and some days have more assigned readings than others. Therefore, make sure you leave yourself plenty
of time, and look ahead for heavy reading days.
Three books and a coursepack are required items for purchase:
1. Art, Robert J., and Robert Jervis. 1996. International Politics 4th ed. New York: Collins. [Listed in
the syllabus as Art and Jervis.]
2. Isaak, Robert A. 1995. Managing World Economic Change 2nd ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice
Hall. [Listed in syllabus as Isaak.]
3. Hoover, Kenneth R. 1995. The Elements of Social Scientific Thinking 6th ed. New York: St. Martin’s
Press. [Listed in syllabus as Hoover.]
4. Coursepack: The set of articles for readings has been collected in a coursepack, which is available for
purchase at the HUB bookstore. These articles will also be kept on reserve. [Coursepack articles
listed in syllabus as CP]
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Grading and Class Policies
I will give extensions on papers and midterms only in very extreme circumstances. You MUST have an
extension approved by me WELL BEFORE the exam or paper deadline. If you miss an exam or a paper, you will
receive a 0 on it.
I am more than happy to answer questions in office hours, or just chat. Office hours are there for your use - take advantage of them! If you have another class during my regular office hours, I will schedule a different time
with you. I will answer as many questions as possible in class, so please ask! I would rather have class discussion
than just lecture. Some of the ideas presented in class are controversial, especially since the international system is
going through an upheaval, and so discussion can be very important.
Debate and discussion are important parts of critically evaluating theories of international relations (or any
theories). I expect you to talk to each other, not just to me. Participation by everyone is strongly encouraged, and
will make class run much better. BUT, the point of discussion is to use criticism and contrasting opinions to sharpen
each other's arguments and bring out hidden assumptions, NOT to destroy each other's ideas or make yourself look
better than someone else. NO disparaging remarks or personal insults will be tolerated in class. Neither will talking,
doing crossword puzzles, reading newspapers, or doing other homework.
Plagiarism
An unpleasant topic that we need to discuss is plagiarism. If you don't know what plagiarism is, check with
your advisor. Basically, though, plagiarism is taking credit for someone else's work. Examples of plagiarism include
turning in a paper written by someone else, or using parts of a book or article without acknowledging the source. I
join the University in taking plagiarism very seriously. If I catch someone plagiarizing, I will give that person a 0 on
the assignment, and will consider giving you an automatic F for the course, as well as bringing you up on academic
charges. It is not hard to avoid plagiarizing -- if you use a quote from someone, acknowledge it in a footnote; if you
paraphrase or summarize an argument, cite the source where you got the idea; if you use facts and figures from some
source and they are not common knowledge, note the source of your information.
Similarly, cheating will get you a 0 on a test.
Special Circumstances
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its
programs and activities. Penn State also encourages students to participate in athletic and other extra-curricular
events. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation in this course or have questions about physical access,
please tell the instructor as soon as possible.
I will do my best to make special arrangements for students with any special needs or conflicts as far as
course lectures or test-taking circumstances are required. However, if you anticipate a particular requirement, let me
know as soon as possible. I will always accommodate legitimate needs, but I am unlikely to accommodate last
minute requests. Special circumstances include disabilities and any scheduled activities that you have that conflict
with this class, including academic or athletic competitions. If you do not notify me of special circumstances early
on, I am under no obligation to give you a make-up exam or assignment extension.
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Course outline (note: all dates are subject to change):
I The Scientific Study of International Politics
General Introduction
[Week 1: 1/12, 1/14]
A. Course policies: read syllabus carefully
B. Introduction to theory and science
Why be systematic?
Hoover 1-14, chapter 1.
What are the parts of a theory?
Hoover 16-45, chapter 2.
II External Causes of International Conflict and Cooperation
System and Institutional Level Theories
[Weeks 2-3: 1/19, 1/21, 1/26]
A. Power, take 1: Realism
1. Basic characteristics of the international system: Anarchy and its implications.
Waltz, Ken. "The Anarchic Structure of World Politics." in Art and Jervis,pp. 49-69.
Hobbes, Thomas. "On the Natural Condition of Mankind." from Leviathan. (CP)
Milner, Helen. “A Critique of Anarchy.” in Art and Jervis, pp. 70-75.
2. The Balance of Power
Thucydides. "The Melian Dialogue." The Peloponnesian War. (CP)
Morgenthau, Hans J. 1956. “A Realist Theory of International Politics.” Politics Among
Nations 2nd ed. Alfred A. Knopf. (CP)
Schelling, Thomas C. “The Diplomacy of Violence.” in Art and Jervis, pp. 168-182.
Intro to theory testing: What makes a good theory? How do you test theory?
Hoover 46-65, 66-89.
3. Evaluating Balance of Power Theory
Logical Critiques: Is the theory completely logical?
Empirical Critiques: Does the theory work?
Organski, A.F.K. 1968. World Politics , 2nd ed. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. Chapter
12 (pp. 272-299). (photcopy will be distributed)
Walt, Stephen M. "Alliances: Balancing and Bandwagoning." in Art and Jervis, pp.
108-115.
Organski, A.F.K, and Jacek Kugler. 1980. The War Ledger. Chicago: The University
of Chicago Press. Chapter 1 (focus on how balance of power theory was tested).
(photocopy will be distributed)
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[Weeks 3-4: 1/28, 2/2, 2/4]
B. Power, take 2: Power Transition Theory
Organski, A.F.K, and Jacek Kugler. 1980. The War Ledger. Chicago: The University of
Chicago Press. Chapter 1 (focus on argument about power transition theory).
(CP)
C. Security and the Influence of System Structure: Neo-realism
Wayman, Frank. 1984. "Bipolarity and War." Journal of Peace Research 21:61-78. (CP)
[Week 5-6: 2/9, 2/11 2/16]
D. Explaining long-term cooperation: Regime Theory
1. Basic Game Theory: how to solve games, including the Prisoner’s Dilemma
2. Regime theory and international institutions
Keohane, Robert O. "A Functional Theory of Regimes." in Art and Jervis, pp. 132-138.
Oye, Kenneth A. "The Conditions for Cooperation in World Politics." in Art and Jervis, pp. 8194.
Grieco, Joseph M. "Anarchy and the Limits of Cooperation." in Art and Jervis, pp. 76-80.
3. Examples of Regimes in action
Hoffman, Stanley. “The Uses and Limits of International Law.” in Art and Jervis, pp. 127-131.
Russett, Bruce, and James S. Sutterlin. “The U.N. in a New World Order.” in Art and Jervis,
pp. 139-148.
** Exam 1 ABOUT Thursday 2/18 or Tuesday 2/23** (Exam covers section I and II)
III Internal Causes of International Conflict and Cooperation
State and Individual Level Theories
[Week 7-8: 2/23, 2/25, 3/2, 3/4]
A. War as the result of rational choices: Expected Utility and Rational Deterrence Theory
Russett, Bruce M. 1967. "Pearl Harbor: Deterrence Theory and Decision Theory." Journal of
Peace Research 4:89-104. (CP)
Bueno de Mesquita, Bruce. 1988. "The Contribution of Expected Utility Theory to the Study of
International Conflict." Journal of Interdisciplinary History 18:629-652. (CP)
Huth, Paul. 1988. "Extended Deterrence and the Outbreak of War." American Political
Science Review 82:423-443. (CP)
Jervis, Robert. “The Utility of Nuclear Deterrence.” in Art and Jervis, pp. 218-226.
Bundy, McGeorge. “The Unimpressive Record of Atomic Diplomacy.” in Art and Jervis, pp.
227-235.
Advanced Theory Testing
Hoover pp. 90-133.
B. It's not the system, it's internal domestic politics: Interest groups and Diversionary War
Levy, Jack S. 1988. "Domestic Politics and War." Journal of Interdisciplinary History
18:653-673. (CP)
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C. Democracies and War
Doyle, Michael. "Kant, Liberal Legacies, and Foreign Affairs." in Art and Jervis, pp. 95-107.
Russett, Bruce, and Zeev Maoz. 1993. "Normative and Structural Causes of Democratic
Peace." American Political Science Review 87:624-638. (CP)
SPRING BREAK 3/8-3/12
** PAPER ASSIGNMENT DISTRIBUTED ABOUT TUESDAY 3/16 **
Discussion of Paper Assignment and writing
Cronin, Thomas. 1986. "The Write Stuff." News for Teachers of Political Science 49:1-4. (CP)
[Week 9: 3/16-3/18]
D. It’s not the system, it’s people: Feminist IR Theory
Conover and Sapiro, 1993, "Gender, Feminist Consciousness, and War." American Journal of
Political Science 37:1079-1099. (CP)
Tickner, J. Ann. “A Critique of Morgenthau’s Principles of Political Realism.” In Art and Jervis, 1729.
** Exam 2 ABOUT Tuesday 3/23 ** (Exam covers section III only)
IV Theories of International Economic Relations
Economic Systems, Development, Interdependence, and the Future
[Week 10-11: 3/23, 3/25, 3/30, 4/1]
A.
Basics of the economic system: trade, money, and banking; the evolution of the current system.
Isaak Chapers 3 and 4.
B.
Perspectives on International Political Economy: Liberalism, Mercantilism, and Marxism
Gilpin, Robert. “The Nature of Political Economy.” Art and Jervis, pp. 269-285.
Isaak Chapter 5.
C.
Hegemonic Stability Theory
Keohane, Robert O. "Hegemony in the World Political Economy." in Art and Jervis. pp. 286298.
Isaak Chapter 1, note especially section on hegemonic stability .
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[Week 12-13: 4/6, 4/8, 4/13, 4/15]
D. Theories of Economic Development
Imperialism, Colonialism, and the Roots of Inequality
Classical economic solutions to development problems
Isaak Chapter 7, 8.
Dependency theory and Alternative Development Strategies
Isaak Chapter 6.
Multinational Corporations: exploiters, or the only solution?
Isaak Chapter 9.
*** PAPER DUE THURSDAY 4/15 ***
[Week 14: 4/20, 4/22]
E. Economic Interdependence and its Effects
1. The effects on politics
Reich, Robert. "Who is Us?" in Art and Jervis, pp. 352-366.
Rosecrance, Richard. "The Trading State -- Then and Now." In Art and Jervis, pp. 348-360.
2. The effects on war and conflict
Keohane, Robert O. and Joseph S. Nye Jr. “Complex Interdependence and the Role of Force.”
in Art and Jervis, pp. 236-251.
Mueller, John. “The Obsolescence of War in the Modern Industrialized World.” in Art and
Jervis, pp. 240-217.
Jervis, Robert. “The Future of World Politics.” In Art and Jervis, pp. 401-414.
V Final Thoughts on Theory in International Politics (and Political Science)
[Week 15: 4/27, 4/29]
Hoover chapter 6.
Final Exam review Thursday 4/29
Final Exam (cumulative) during finals week:
Currently scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, 2:30-4:20.
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