PSC 2442 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Democratic Peace Theory
26 Mar 2020
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Document Summary
Origins of thought: thucydides, who wrote the helian dialogue which proposed the idea that strength rules politics. The exchange lays out basic ideas of realism. International politics dangerous, self help system, no justice morality rule of law, power rules, can"t trust allies. Anarchy, states have offensive capabilities, uncertainties about intentions, states worry about survival, power zero sum. Policy implication: amass power and guard it carefully, be prudent, be careful who you trust, concentrated power is a good thing. Not always opposed, some even consider them useful as tools for the powerful. However, others feel ios are dangerous and lull states into a false sense of security violating realist tenants. Too many ios, more than any realist would expect. Not all states can or will hurt each other, how uncertain are we of others intentions, most politics not about survival, power is not always zero sum. Amassing power not the only/best way to survive.
