PSCI 1100 Lecture Notes - Security Dilemma, Neoliberalism
14 Apr 2013
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Traditional (or mainstream ) theories: realism long tradition in history of political thought, dominant since world war ii. Study the world as it is, not how it ought to be. Nr: human nature < anarchy as cause of conflict. Nl: anarchy + rational states = poss. of cooperation. Alternative (or critical ) theories: marxism origin in the writings of marx and engels. Core ideas are capitalism drives world politics and that theory should not simply explain, but help to change the world: capitalism drives states and non-state actors towards conflict and imperialism. Dominant countries exploit/rule subordinate ones just like capitalists exploit/rule the working class. World politics = hierarchy, not anarchy: capitalism is prone to crises and will ultimately be overthrown, constructivism sociologically inspired approach. The core idea is world politics is socially constructed through meanings and ideas (as well as material factors). Anarchy is what states make of it. (a. wendt: feminism - background in feminist movement, esp. since 1960s.
