IR and Global Governance
IR and Global Governance
Take-home exam
A 2000-word essay centered around discussing a primary source and linking the discussion to
conceptual debates that were covered in lectures and tutorials. The text will have to be structured
with an intro, body, and conclusions just like a normal academic essay. Literature and evidence
will have to be incorporated into the essay.
For this take-home exam students will have to write a 2000-word essay centered around
discussing a primary source and linking the discussion to conceptual debates that were covered in
lectures and tutorials. The text will have to be structured with an intro, body, and conclusions just
like a normal academic essay. Literature and evidence will have to be incorporated into the essay.
The exact topic question/s and sub-questions (including relevant instructions) will be uploaded 48
hours before the deadline as specified above.
WEEK 1 THE MAINSTREAM IN IR WHY DO WE NEED THEORIES? WHAT ARE
THEY GOOD FOR? (L1, L2 & L3)
In this first assignment of the course, we look at the mainstream debates in the study of IR. In
particular we will discuss why is theory needed in the study of IR; how theories are used, and why
we do not have just one theory to the study of IR. We will also look at how theories in IR develop
and what is the interaction between theory and practical politics. A particularly important
question in this1st tutorial is - What constitutes the international system? We will particularly
discuss how different IR theories explain this issue and what level of analysis they adopt.
Furthermore, this session focuses on the main driving forces of international affairs according to the
two mainstream approaches neo-realism and neoliberalism / neoliberal institutionalism. The
ability to distinguish between the similarities and differences of these two approaches is of
particular importance here. Ultimately, it is important that at the end of this tutorial we are able to
point at the main issue/s in the so-called neo-neo-debate and express an informed opinion on the
current state of affairs in it. A useful way to start practicing your understanding of these approaches
is to link the basic readings for your lecture with the more advanced/applied readings for the
tutorial. See if you can discern how Waltz, Ikenberry, Annan and Mearsheimer apply theoretical
ideas in discussing actual political events. Do you agree or disagree with them? Can you offer your
own theoretically informed interpretation on some of the main news of the day/week?
Key concepts: anarchy; security dilemma; survival; self-help; relative vs absolute gains;
international cooperation and interdependence
Case studies:
The Iranian nuclear issue
The crisis in Ukraine
The role of the UN
US foreign policy
Russias foreign policy
TUTORIAL Mandatory readings
Ikenberry, John. (2009) Liberal Internationalism 3.0: America and the Dilemmas of Liberal
World Order, Perspectives on Politics, 7(1) pp. 71-88.
Kofi Annan (2005) "In Larger Freedom": Decision Time at the UN Foreign Affairs,
(May/June), 84 (3) pp.63-74.
Waltz, Kenneth, (2012) Why Iran Should Get the Bomb, Foreign Affairs (July/August), 91
(4) pp.2-5
John J. Mearsheimer (2014) Why the Ukraine Crisis Is the Wests Fault: The Liberal
Delusions That Provoked Putin, Foreign Affairs, (September/October), 93 (5) pp. 7789.
To challenge prejudices and suggest new questions and perspectives - when implicit
assumptions, conventional wisdom, or heavy cultural lenses, predominate.
Challenge and evaluate political practice, especially when particular politically convenient
reasoning dominates the discourse.
What do we need theory for (2)
Theories simplify complexity to make it easier to grasp contemporary, multilayered political
processes
International Relations is a discipline defined by its theories - so knowledge of its theories
becomes a precondition for understanding the discipline.
What can a theory deliver - Upgrading research in a given field of study
It takes theoretical reflection to summarise and synthesise the findings of empirical studies.
Lisa Martin on the study of IOs:
For a long time the discipline has been quite policy-oriented and descriptive, lacking an
overarching analytical framework. This lack of a theoretical foundation meant that, although
individual studies generated strong insights, they did not culminate to create a coherent picture of
[...], the role of international organisations in the world economy. This changed with the publication
of Krasners International Regimes and Keohanes After Hegemony. [Both] books [...] suggested
novel explanatory framework for studying international organisations] (2007: 110-11, quoted in
Jorgensen 2010)
To be able to understand theory application... Thinking Theory Thoroughly (Rosenau 1980)
Be genuinely puzzled by international phenomena - ask research questions about specific or
patterned phenomena
Be predisposed to ask of every event, every situation, or every observed phenomenon: Of
what is it an instance? i.e. What is the larger picture/pattern/category, of which the
observed event is a part?
Be able to assume that human affairs are founded on an underlying principle if events were
assumed to happen randomly there would be little point in theorising.
Be ready to accept (and appreciate) the need to sacrifice detailed descriptions for broad
observations
The driving forces of theoretical advances
Real world developments: e.g.
Experience of World Wars I & II
Rise and decline of nations (e.g. colonial powers, US, BRICs)
Skills revolution, emancipation, waves of democracy
Increasing inter-dependence and cooperation among nations
End of the cold war
September 11, 2001
Financial crises (2008-present) International Relations as a problem driven discipline
The driving forces (2)
Development of scientific methodology in the study of social sciences
From positivism - to post-positivism
From explanatory and problem-solving theories to interpretative and critical (emancipatory)
approaches. IR as a sub-discipline of Social Sciences
Ontology and epistemology in IR
Ontology (Greek: on, ont being). Theory of being: What exists, what is the world made of
and therefore what our objects of analysis in IR are (the state; individual action; the system as a
whole; cooperation; ideas/discourse);
Are actors in IR atomistic strategic egoists with interests formed prior to social interaction;
OR are they inherently social actors whose identity and interests are formed thanks to social
interaction?
Epistemology Theory of Knoweledge (From Greek: episteme knowledge; epistasthai know
how to do) How we come to know the world? & How we can study IR?
What are the sources of explanation for the characteristics and behaviour of states, individuals
or systems; What is the credible criteria that we can gaining knowledge. What is the basis for the
justification and verification of knowledge claims.
How to Know?
Empiricist cause-effect logic: shedding light on the ways in which strategic actors can change
or reproduce the rules of the international system through rational action.
Observing the objectively existing empirical data, measuring and generating explanations!
Separates facts and values as well as subject and object.Objective world exists independently
of human consciousness. Objective knowledge is possible (if we exclude values from the
analysis). Constitutive legitimacy/co-constitution of reality: Sheds light on the ideational
rationale for actors actions. Enquires at their values, beliefs, ideas and social interaction. It helps us
understand how actors and the system co-constitute each other. Interpretation of the
unobservable (such as ideas or beliefs) and generating understanding Problematizes empiricist
objectivity; Takes into account both facts and values; Does not see the subject & object of analysis
as separate; Focuses on interpretation and understanding; Language and the process of
communication are important.
Methodology Theory of methods Methodology what methods we use to acquire data and
evidence.
Empiricist (natural science-like approach): If you cannot measure it, it does not exist
Quantitative methods of analysis trying to quantify even qualitative data statistical methods;
experiments that are repeatable; mathematical models in Political science electoral behaviour;
party politics, etc.
Constitutive/interpretative:
Qualitative methods of analysis; Discursive inquiry (how is language used); Historical inquiry
(what is the context and how have the problematised processes been evolving in time).
.
.
.
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To recap
What do we need theory for: To structure research To challenge prejudices and suggest new
perspectives.
Evaluate political practice, and shed light on dominant discourses.
Knowledge of theory does not have alternative in learning IR. It is defined by its theories.
Theory and practice what is the link about?
Food for thought in the weeks to come:
How do theories help us understand reality?
What role do theories play in understanding discrete IR events and processes?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the leading theories of IR?
Can theories help us uncover the future?
LECTURE 2 Liberalism: ideals and ideas
MANDATORY READINGS
Dunne, T. (2014): Liberalism (Ch.7), in: Baylis, John, Smith, Steve and Owens, Patricia
(eds.): The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations.
Oxford: Oxford University Press (6th ed.), pp. 113-124.
Lamy, Stephen (2014): Contemporary Mainstream Approaches: Neo-Realism and NeoLiberalism (Ch.8) in: Baylis, John, Smith, Steve and Owens, Patricia (eds.) work cited
(Study Landscape) only pp.132-138.
Dr Hylke Dijkstra
Battle of Solferino (1859)
1864 Geneva Convention
Ambulances and military hospitals shall be recognized as neutral, and as such, protected and
respected by the belligerents (art 1)
Inhabitants of the country who bring help to the wounded shall be respected and shall remain free
(art 5)
Wounded or sick combatants, to whatever nation they may belong, shall be collected and cared
for (art 6)
A distinctive and uniform flag shall be adopted for hospitals, ambulances and evacuation parties ...
it shall bear a red cross on a white ground (art 7)of Arts and Social Sciences 3
Int'l Committee of the Red Cross
The custodian of the Geneva Conventions Impartial, neutral and independent organisation
Care for wounded soldiers Inspection of POW camps (since WWI) Protection of civilians (since
1949) Application to civil wars (since 1949)
Code of silence: no public stanceof Arts and Social Sciences 4
Red Cross: Liberalism in Action
Individualism and human rights Cooperation even during war Compliance through international
institutions Entrepreneurship by non-state actor
Agenda for Today
Facets of liberalism Liberalism in XX century