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North Korea destroys the cooling tower of the Yongbyon nuclear complex in June 2008 as a visible symbol of its commitment to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
Realism focuses on the problems of international conflict, wars in particular
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The analysis of the Peloponnesian War by the Athenian general Thucydides has influenced realist theory for nearly 2500 years.
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Realism
Thucydides’ insights into international politics
International politics is about the exercise of power by states Distribution of power determines state options Humans are motivated by power (to rule others) Distribution of power is cause of war and peace International politics is beyond morality
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Paradigms of International Relations
Level of analysis
Where the analysis takes place (individual, group, etc.)
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Paradigms of International Relations
A paradigm is a set of beliefs about
what should be taken for granted and what needs to be investigated what sorts of forces are most important in the world what assumptions should begin the analysis
Theory
Statement about how international politics works
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Theories of International Politics Categorized by Paradigm and Level of Analysis
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Realism
Central Assumptions
Anarchy – nthe central actors – international politics is politics between states States as unitary actors – behavior is driven by the conditions in the system, not by internal politics States as rational actors – act in a national interest
Theories of International Relations: Realism and Liberalism
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the major assumptions of the realist and liberal approaches. 2. Distinguish the major strands of theory within each approach. 3. Understand the normative positions of realism and liberalism.
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Paradigms of International Relations
Five paradigms of international politics
Realism Liberalism Economic Structuralism Constructivism Feminism
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Learning Objectives
4. 5. 6. Summarize the major critiques of each approach. Identify ways in which each approach can be linked to policy problems. Articulate and defend an argument concerning the relative merits of the different approaches.