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Theories of Global Politics - Coggle Diagram
Theories of Global Politics
Realism
Power politics model of international thinking
Morgenthau --> 'Politics of a struggle for power over men'
Two core assumptions:
People are selfish & competitive; egoism defining characteristic of human nature
Machiavelli --> changeless human nature; we are arrogant, violent, malignant
Hobbes --> humans desire 'power after power'; state of nature brutish, nasty, short
State-system operates in a context of international anarchy; no global gov.
Realist view on human nature:
Nature > nurture
Instinct > intellect; humans driven by non-rational appetites, with intellect & reason guiding us in pursuing these appetites
Humans are self-seeking; egoistical conflict between them is unavoidable, which translates into state egoism
3 implications of this for international politics:
No form of world gov. can be established; international 'state of nature' which is uncertain & dangerous
States are the most important actors on the world stage
State egoism --> inevitable competition & rivalry
Self-interest; survival is key
Security via military
Carr crticised 20 years crisis (between WW1&2) as, at the Paris Peace Conference (1919-20), 'wishing' prevailed over 'thinking', neglecting importance of power in international politics, leading to further conflict (to do with statecraft)
Morgenthau's 6 realist principles:
Politics is governed by objective laws which have their root in human nature
To understand international politics; concept of interest defined in terms of power
The forms and nature of state power will vary in time, place, and context, but the concept of interest remains consistent
Universal moral principles don’t guide state behaviour, although this does not rule out an awareness of the moral significance of political action
Moral aspirations specific to nations; no universally agreed set of moral principles
The political sphere is autonomous, meaning that the key question in international politics is ‘How does this policy affect the power of the nation?’
Liberalism
Harmony & balance amongst competing interests
Individuals, groups, states may pursue self-interest but a natural equilibrium will tend to assert itself
Competing interests complement one another; conflict is never irreconcilable
Just as natural or unregulated equilibrium tends to emerge in economic life, a balance of interests tends to develop amongst the states of the world, disposing liberals to believe in the possibility of peace and cooperation