PSCI 2223 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Dependency Theory, Global Governance
2 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Hegemonic theory would say that one pole systems are more stable because there is a clear leader: ex. Ideas and norms (constructivism): capitalist world economy (radical critique). Power, wealth and ideas are all systemic characteristics. Organized interests, public opinion, and liberalism: institutional properties. The system is anarchical (this does mean anarchy in the sense that there is chaos and disorder, rather it refers to the fact that there is no overarching world government). States are unitary actors (i. e. the state acts as one whole unit with one opinion rather than multiple opinions and components). States are rational actors (i. e. the state will always act in its own best interest). The state rises to power and builds alliances to keep the system anarchic. An anarchical international system requires that states acquire some form of military power. War fighting capabilities are more important than economic capabilities.
