The Level of analysis Problem in International Relations - J. David Singer
Appearing as chapter 3 in International Politics and forgein Policy edited by J.N.Rosenau
1
Focus on he parts or the whole
Components of the system
p.20
2
Observer confronted with system, sub-systems and respective
environments
Responsible scholar must. Evaluate
relative utility - conceptual and
methodological
p.21
3
3.a
3.b
3.c
3.d
3.e
An analytical Model [Theory] must:
offer a highly accurate description of the phenomena
Present a complete and undistorted picture as possible
Correlate with objective reality
Coincide with our empirical referents to the highest degree.
If sacrifice total representational accuracy must decide where
distortion is least dysfunctional
Capacity to explain relationships among phenomena
3.f
3.g
4
4.a
4.b
4.c
4. d
4.e
Any analytical model – offer Promise of reliable prediction
Systematic Levels of Analysis
Most comprehensive of levels available – most total picture of
international relations
Focusing on system enables study of patterns of interactions
Difficulty – tends to exaggerate impact of system on national
actors
moves away form national autonomy and independence of
choice
Requires – postulate high degree of uniformity in operational
codes of national actors
4.f
Reasonably satisfactory as basis for prediction,
5.
National state Level of analysis
Rich detail, greater depth, more intensive protral
Permits significant differentiation among actors
5.a
5.b
5.c
5.d
5.e
5.f
6
6.a
6.b
7.
8.
Tendency to attribute ones own national virtues to own nation
and vices to others
Question if man and society pursue goals of own choosing
Some think social forces operate irregardless of actors
awareness
For explanation – more fruitful, thorough investigation of
processes by which foreign policies are made.
Prediction has similar degree of promise
Policy maker will prefer predictions related how a country is
likely to react related contemplated move by own country
Scholar migh prefer generalized regarding behavior of class of
nations or those regarding system itself.
Choice between System level and nation State level is primary
conception issue
Difference between International relations and comparative
foreign policy
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And where accuracy essential
Not so much accuracy of description as
validity of explanation—If description in
conflict with explanation.. favor explain
p.22
p.22
Encompassing totality of interactions –
within systems and environment
, discounts impact of actors on system
Towards deterministic orientation
Inadequate foundation for casual
statements but reasonably adequate basis
for correlative statements. i.e. correlation ,
not consequence
Actors and behavior predicted in relatively
gross and general terms
Atomized and less coherent image
May lead to exaggeration of the
differences among sub-system actors.
Need balance between similarity and
difference
Or are forces beyond control. – propelled?
Believe explanation need not include all
steps in a casual chain etc may reject
phenomenal approach.
Replace mere correlation with more
significant causation
The Nation State level will be better
The System Level will be better
Must be temporally resolved prior to any
research – Cannot afford to shift
orientation in the midst of study
p.23