hammering out (and in) theories kimberly weir northern kentucky university part 1 1.explain basics...
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Hammering Out (and In) TheoriesHammering Out (and In) TheoriesKimberly Weir
Northern Kentucky University
Part 1
1. Explain basics of each theory.
2. Assign two authors’ writings related to each theory.
3. Have students identify and cite the source of ideas from each author that relate 4 different tenets.
4. Discuss their findings.
5. Spend 1-3 days discussing how readings relate to the tenets of each theory.
Part 2
1. Assign a current events article or case study.
2. Break students up into 6 groups—2 groups per theory.
3. Each group is responsible for explaining the situation from their theoretical perspective.
4. Each group must also defend why their theory best explains the situation.
5. Then have students explain the situation using the other theories and identify holes in those explanations.
6. Put the two similar groups together to see if they came up with similar explanations and defenses.
7. Have each group explain the situation from their perspective, then cross-examine one another.
Source: Adapted from Blake, David H. and Walters, Robert S. (1987) The Politics of Global Economic Relations, 3rd. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. Adaptations and additions to this matrix were made by Mark A. Boyer and Robert A. Denemark.
Concept Realism Liberalism Marxism
Theory Variants Neorealism, Mercantilism (in IPE)Neoliberalism, Idealism,
NeoinstitutionalismNeoMarxism, Dependencia Theory,
World Systems Theory
Basic PremiseInternational relations dominated by
states acting in own self-interest
International relations benefit from cooperation
among multiple actors
International relations structured and dictated by
classes struggling for economic control
Influential Philosophers
Thomas Hobbes, Hans Morganthau Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Woodrow Wilson Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels, V.I. Lenin
Basic Tenets
1) States are the primary actors
2) States are unitary, rational actors
3) Relations are zero-sum
4) Relations are power struggles
5) National interest drives relations
1) Multiple actors matter
2) Relations can be positive sum
3) Relations are based on more than just power struggles
4) Zero-sum relations benefit the wealthy
1) Relations are system based, zero-sum where the rich oppress the poor
2) Relations are based on class struggle
3) Capitalism is the primary mode of production
4) Relations are driven by economic factors
5) States and international organizations are tools of the oppressor
Primary Actor(s) Self-interested states States, IGOs, NGOs, MNCs Owners of capital
Primary Motivation for Relations
Self-help in chaotic system Cooperative, collaborative Exploitative
View of Human Nature
Pessimistic Optimistic Pessimistic
View of the International System
States in chaotic, competitive systemCooperation is beneficial to greatest
number of peopleSystem structure perpetuates disparities
between rich and poor
Ultimate Goal in Relations
Stability and self-preservation Cooperation for mutual benefitAmass more wealth (for wealthy)
or revolution (for poor)
Concept Mercantilist (Neo)Liberal Marxist
Basic ValueMaximum growth in national
economyMaximum growth in national and
global economy
Progression toward a classless society;
end of exploitation
Distribution of Benefits
Zero-sum: favoring powerful Positive sum Zero-sum: favoring wealthy
Inherent Conflict in System
Large amount due to competitionMinimal; states see value of
cooperationVery large - recurrent crises;
dialectic nature of system
Persistent Cleavages
National conflict is foundation of system;
cleavages if more than one stateNone Rich vs. Poor
Obstacle to National Goals
Not enough national power relative to others
Irrational state policiesCapitalist dominance of domestic
and global economies
Attitude Toward IOs
Irrelevant or IOs as national toolsFacilitators of cooperation; can
establish and oversee rules and norms in system
Provision of infrastructure for rich to oppress the poor
Main Characteristics of Economic Order
Competition and pursuit of national interest and power
Sovereign and autonomous states with wide decision latitude; states involved
in positive sum collaboration
Hierarchical - hierarchy of classes primary;
also dominant and dependent states
Preferred Means of
Resource Allocation
Government control through values market
if works to state advantage in systemFree market
Until capitalism completely dies, state administers; thereafter socially
equitable classless distribution w/o state
Relationship of Economics &
Politics
Politics drives economicsShould be separated as much as
possibleEconomics determines politics
Introduction to International Politics International Political Economy