Theories of World Politics - Class Notes | Introduction to World Politics | PSCI 2054, Study notes of World Politics

Download Theories of World Politics - Class Notes | Introduction to World Politics | PSCI 2054 and more Study notes World Politics in PDF only on Docsity! Chapter: Introduction pp. 1-13 I. Theories of World Politics a. Theory: a kind of simplifying device that allows you to decide which facts matter and which don’t b. Differences between normative, idealist and realist positions c. Realists:  Main actors-states  Human nature- fixed & selfish  Define world politics?-struggle for power between states each trying to maximize their national interests  System- International System d. Liberalists i. Main actors-multinational corporations, transnational actors (terrorist groups and international organizations) ii. Picture of world politics? complex system of bargaining between many different types of actor iii. System- interdependence e. Marxists i. Main assumptions – structuralism/world system ii. Key features- world politics takes place within a world capitalist economy. Most important actors are classes. Key of international economy is division of the world into core, semi-periphery and periphery areas. International capitalism. f. Constructivism i. Views on human agency- has a greater potential role than other theories believe because we ‘make and re-make the social world’ ii. Key features- everything is open to change- structures of policy, identities, interests, theories—fundamental mistake is to think we cannot change. II. The Four Theories and Globalization a. Realists- doesn’t alter the most significant feature of world politics, territorial division into nation-states. b. Liberals- end product of a long transformation of world politics, states no longer such central actors c. Marxist- nothing new, latest stage in development of capitalism. d. Constructivist-external force acting on states which is a reality they cannot challenge. III. Globalization and its Precursors