POLS 1160 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Security Dilemma, Worst-Case Scenario Series, Falsifiability
14 Mar 2017
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Document Summary
Why neoliberalism: to revise or reframe classical realism on a more scientific basis. Doesn"t rely on something unfalsifiable such as human nature. Shifts the level of analysis from individual to systemic: the structure of the international system is what drives conflict. Systems: in general, systems are governed by rules or norms. States are the actors, therefore systems condition states behavior and encourage states to behave similarly: focus should be on structure of the international system rather than differences among states. Despite states differences, they still behave in similar ways. Therefore it"s most important to understand only their position in the international system. The international system: two distinct characteristics, how units within the system are organized. In the international system, they are organized in an anarchy. This results in a self-help attitude, focus on survival and security, seeking self-defense (security dilemma where each state continues to. One up each other), and determining who gains the most (relative, not absolute gains).
