Principles and Concepts of IR
A benefit that everyone enjoys (e.g., peace).
What is a Collective Good
States unite to oppose aggressors (e.g., UN, NATO).
Collective Security
Wars due to religion, ethnicity, etc.
Identity wars
The absence of violence only
Negative Peace
Democracies rarely fight each other
Democratic peace
Dominance, Reciprocity, and identity
Why do most states contribute to collective goods?
Capitalism creates exploitation and imperialism leads to wars
Radical theories
Foreign intervention (proxy wars during Cold War), spread of arms, resource curse, globalization (clash of civilizations)
External Causes of Internal Wars
Famine, hunger, poverty, sanctions, depression, dependency on global capitalism
Economic threats to peace
Resistance to Westernization, clash with U.S. power, terrorism (e.g., Al Qaeda, ISIS).
Islamic Fundamentalism
Sovereighty, self-determination, and archaic international system
Why some states refuse to contribute to collective problems
Human nature = good, cooperation possible.
Principles: Reciprocity, interdependence, democracy.
Liberalism
Capitalism creates class struggles (rich exploit poor) and domestic wars result
-proletariat uprising against bourgeoisie.
Radicals’ Explanation of Domestic Wars
Balance of power, deterrence, hegemonic stability, nuclear weapons.
Realist approach to peace
IOs, laws, collective security, arms control, democratic peace.
Liberalism approach to peace
Coercion, rewards & punishment, and smaller groups/organizations to enforce rules.
Solutions to the tradegy of the commons
Identities, perceptions, and labels shape conflict or peace.
Friendly perceptions = peace, hostile ones = war
constructivism
Colonial legacies, poor governance & corruption, economic greed, politicized ethnicity, secession & irredentism, and religious extremism
Internally Generated Causes of Intrastate Wars
Redistribution of wealth, socialism, gender equality
Radical approach to peace
Build trust, monitor states, punish violators, increase transparency, coordinate negotiations, peaceful conflict management.
Roles of International Organizations in Stability/Peace
Regime type (good or bad governments, democraticies, autocracies)
State level of analysis
Key Assumptions: States = main actors, anarchic system, rational, seek power/security.
Security dilemma, balance of power, deterrence (nuclear weapons).
Realism
Memories of WWI/II devastation, major powers satisfied with status quo, risk of nuclear escalation, US military dominance, spread of democracy & peaceful values
Why General Wars are Obsolete
Ethnic, religious, gender, caste, sexuality-based discrimination.
Social Identity threats to peace
Enforcement of UN resolutions, to protect international law and piece, threats in a uni-polar system, international moral responsibility
Explaining US invasion of Iraq by international level of analysis