INTL 1101 Lecture Notes - Human Nature, High Politics, Foreign Direct Investment
26 May 2014
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Document Summary
*theories are abstractions of the way things are; a mental shortcut to the most representative piece of the whole. Human nature: people are fundamentally selfish and ethically flawed; compete for self-advantage. Instinctive lust for power; eradicating this instinct is not possible. International politics is a war of all against all ; every man for himself. Prime obligation of the state is promoting the national interest. People shouldn"t enter alliances always steal . Anarchy power state as primary actor high politics dominates low politics in an international arena. Common knowledge in international norms (ie. unspoken/unwritten rules) Reason and ethics can overcome international anarchy to create a more orderly and cooperative world. Use institutions to reduce conflict (stable democracies) Politics not seen as a zero-sum game. Emphasizes free trade because it helps prevent disputes from escalating into war. Everyone can win if you cooperate; a power differential still (usually) exists.
