7 International Relations
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7.1 Balance of Power
📖 The idea that states will form alliances and counter-alliances to maintain a balance of power in the international system.
7.1.1 item Alliances are always formed between states with similar ideologies or values.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Alliances can be formed between states with different ideologies or values if they have common interests, such as security or economic cooperation.
- explanation:
- States may form alliances with other states that have different ideologies or values if they share a common interest, such as security or economic cooperation.
7.1.2 item The balance of power is always stable.
- better_alternative_belief:
- The balance of power can be unstable, and can shift suddenly due to events such as wars, revolutions, or economic crises.
- explanation:
- The balance of power can be disrupted by a variety of factors, such as changes in the relative power of states, changes in alliances, or the emergence of new technologies.
7.1.3 item The balance of power is always beneficial to all states.
- better_alternative_belief:
- The balance of power can be beneficial to some states, but it can also be harmful to others.
- explanation:
- The balance of power can lead to stability and peace, but it can also lead to conflict and war.
7.1.4 item The balance of power is always determined by military power.
- better_alternative_belief:
- The balance of power can be influenced by a variety of factors, including economic power, diplomatic power, and cultural power.
- explanation:
- States can use a variety of means to increase their power and influence, including military power, economic power, and diplomatic power.
7.1.5 item The balance of power is always a zero-sum game.
- better_alternative_belief:
- The balance of power can be a win-win situation for all states involved.
- explanation:
- States can cooperate to maintain a balance of power that is beneficial to all parties involved.
7.2 Realism
📖 The theory that states are primarily motivated by self-interest and that the international system is anarchic and competitive.
7.2.1 item States are always rational actors.
- better_alternative_belief:
- States are often influenced by emotions, domestic politics, and bureaucratic inertia.
- explanation:
- States are complex organizations, and their behavior is often driven by a variety of factors, not all of which are rational.
7.2.2 item The international system is a zero-sum game.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Cooperation is often possible, even between rival states.
- explanation:
- States can often find common ground on issues of mutual interest, such as trade, climate change, and terrorism.
7.2.3 item War is the only way to resolve international disputes.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Negotiation, arbitration, and other peaceful means of conflict resolution are often more effective.
- explanation:
- War is a costly and destructive way to resolve disputes, and it often leads to unintended consequences.
7.2.4 item Great powers always get their way.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Smaller states can often influence the behavior of great powers through diplomacy, economic leverage, and alliances.
- explanation:
- Great powers are not always able to impose their will on smaller states, and they often have to negotiate and compromise in order to achieve their goals.
7.2.5 item The United States is the world’s only superpower.
- better_alternative_belief:
- The United States is still the world’s leading superpower, but its power is relative, and there are other rising powers, such as China and India, that are challenging its dominance.
- explanation:
- The United States is still the world’s largest economy and military power, but its relative power has declined in recent years as other countries have grown more powerful.
7.3 Liberal Internationalism
📖 The theory that states can cooperate to promote peace and prosperity, and that international institutions can help to maintain order in the international system.
7.3.1 item Liberal internationalism is a utopian ideology that ignores the realities of power politics.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Liberal internationalism recognizes the importance of power in international relations, but it also believes that states can cooperate to achieve their goals.
- explanation:
- Liberal internationalism is based on the belief that states are rational actors who can cooperate to achieve their goals. It does not ignore the realities of power politics, but it believes that states can overcome their differences and work together to create a more peaceful and prosperous world.
7.3.2 item Liberal internationalism is only for rich, developed countries.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Liberal internationalism is for all countries, regardless of their level of development.
- explanation:
- Liberal internationalism is based on the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. These principles are universal and apply to all countries, regardless of their level of development.
7.3.3 item Liberal internationalism is a form of imperialism.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Liberal internationalism is not a form of imperialism. It is based on the principle of self-determination.
- explanation:
- Liberal internationalism supports the right of all peoples to determine their own future. It does not seek to impose its values on other countries.
7.3.4 item Liberal internationalism is dead.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Liberal internationalism is not dead. It is still the best way to achieve a more peaceful and prosperous world.
- explanation:
- Liberal internationalism has been challenged in recent years by the rise of nationalism and populism. However, it remains the best way to achieve a more peaceful and prosperous world. Liberal internationalism is based on the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. These principles are universal and apply to all countries, regardless of their level of development.
7.3.5 item Liberal internationalism is only about economics.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Liberal internationalism is about more than just economics. It is also about promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
- explanation:
- Liberal internationalism is based on the belief that democracy, human rights, and the rule of law are essential for a free and prosperous society. Liberal internationalists believe that these principles should be promoted around the world.
7.4 Constructivism
📖 The theory that states’ identities and interests are socially constructed, and that the international system is shaped by ideas and norms.
7.4.1 item Constructivism is a new theory in international relations.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Constructivism has been around for decades and has been influential in international relations theory since the 1980s.
- explanation:
- Constructivism is not a new theory, although contemporary variants of constructivism that draw on social theory are more recent.
7.4.3 item Constructivism is a utopian theory that ignores the realities of power politics.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Constructivism is a realist theory that recognizes the importance of power, but also emphasizes the role of ideas and norms in shaping international politics.
- explanation:
- Constructivists argue that power is not the only factor that matters in international politics, and that ideas and norms can also play a significant role.
7.4.4 item Constructivism is only relevant to the study of international cooperation.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Constructivism is also relevant to the study of international conflict.
- explanation:
- Constructivists argue that ideas and norms can shape both cooperation and conflict in international politics.
7.4.5 item Constructivism is a purely academic theory with no practical implications.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Constructivism has important implications for policy-making, such as the role of international law and the use of soft power.
- explanation:
- Constructivist insights can help policymakers understand the importance of ideas and norms in shaping international politics, and can help them develop more effective policies.
7.5 Globalization
📖 The process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence between states, which has had a profound impact on international relations.
7.5.1 item Globalization inevitably leads to the decline of national sovereignty.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Globalization can both enhance and erode national sovereignty, depending on the specific issue and the policies adopted by states.
- explanation:
- While globalization can lead to increased interdependence and cooperation, states retain significant control over their domestic and foreign policies.
7.5.2 item Globalization only benefits developed countries.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Globalization has both positive and negative effects on countries at all levels of development.
- explanation:
- Developing countries can benefit from increased trade, investment, and technology transfer, but also face challenges such as rising inequality and environmental degradation.
7.5.3 item Globalization is driven solely by economic forces.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Globalization is shaped by a complex interplay of economic, political, social, and technological factors.
- explanation:
- Political decisions, cultural norms, and technological innovations all play a role in the process of globalization.
7.5.4 item Globalization will eventually lead to a single global government.
- better_alternative_belief:
- While globalization has increased interdependence, the formation of a single global government is unlikely.
- explanation:
- States will continue to value their autonomy and sovereignty, and there is no evidence to suggest that they will relinquish their authority to a supranational body.
7.5.5 item Globalization is irreversible.
- better_alternative_belief:
- Globalization is an ongoing process that can be shaped and influenced by policy choices.
- explanation:
- States can adopt policies that promote or restrict globalization, and the pace and nature of globalization can change over time.