IR as an Academic Subject

Jackson et al. Chap. 2

Evolution of IR thinking
Theoretical discussion between IR
scholars evolved in stages.
Theoretical approaches are a product of
their time.
International problems have changed.
War and Peace
Conflict and Cooperation
Wealth and Poverty
Development and Underdevelopment

Stages of Development
Utopian Liberalism vs Realism

Traditional approaches vs. behavioralism

Neorealism vs. Neoliberalism

Established traditions vs. post-positivist

Utopian Liberalism vs. Realism

(1920s-1950s)

Realism won the debate

Theories

Description

Theorists

Utopian Liberalism

Idealism
A rational & intelligently designed
Intl Org can help smooth process
of modernization and
interdependence, end the war and
achieve permanent peace.
League of Nations
Humans rational and find org for
the benefit of all

Wilson, Angell

Realism

Pessimism
There are profound conflicts of
interest both between countries
and people
Humans are self-interested and
power-seeking
IR egoistic and aggressive &
repetition of history

Carr,
Morgenthou

Two Methodological Approaches

Neorealism vs. Neoliberalism

Theories

Description

Neorealism
Response to neoliberal reference to
Late 1970s-1990s relations between industrialized
liberal democracies
Bipolarity and confrontation
Structure of international system
based on anarchy and state of
relative power
Balance of power system
Neoliberalism
1950s-1970s

Theorists
Waltz, Buzan,
Mearsheimer

Trade and investment, travel and

Keohane, Nye,
communication, liberal democracies
Doyle, Roseneau
of the west
Possibilities of progress and change
through interdependence, integration,
and democracy
Through accepted anarchy and the
balance of power

Different strands of neolibralism

Neorealism and Neoliberlism

Common analytical starting point 1980s
1) States are the main actors in international
anarchy and seek their best interest
2) Institutions, interdependence and
democracy lead to more cooperation
3) Both strongly supported the scientific
project (behavioralists)

International Society 1990s

theorists: Wight, Bull

1) Rejected behavioralist challenge and back to

traditional approach
2) Rejected firm distinction between strict realist
and liberal views

International Political Economy

1970s

Theories

Description

Theorists

Neo-Marxism

Tool of analysis: Wealth and intl poverty

Poor by exploitation and unequal
exchange (sell cheap-buy expensive)
Global capitalist economy
World System

Wallerstein

Liberal IPE

International capitalism as an instrument

or progressive change for all countries

Fiedman

Realist IPE

Wealth should be controlled and

List
managed by the state
Economic Nationalism
Wealth is an instrument in the creation of
national security and national welfare
Power in free market (decline in the US
leadership)

Important IPE issues today:

- Economic globalization (spread and intensification of economic relations)
- Who wins and who loses
- How to view the relative importance of economics and politics

Alternative Approaches: underway

to address complex world of IR since the end of cold war

brought diverse issues i.e. state partition & disintegration
civil war, terrorism, democratization, national minorities,
humanitarian intervention, refugees, etc.

Group Work - Theorists

Main Arguments
Relevant to todays world
Examples
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)

Woodrow Wilson
E. H. Carr
Norman Angell
Hans Morgenthou
Joseph Nye
Kenneth Waltz
Hedley Bull (International Society thinkers)
Immanuel Wallerstein
Friedrich List

Group Assignments
Do you think realism is still the dominant
theoretical tradition in IR?

If not, which is your own theoretical

preferences in regards to analyzing IR of
today?