POLI 243 Midterm: POLI 243 MIDTERM REVIEW.docx
Document Summary
Theories can be categorized by paradigm or by level-of-analysis: paradigm: idealism, realism, liberalism, marxism, institutionalism, constructivism, level-of-analysis: system, domestic/state, bureaucratic, or individual level. Levels are in relation to where we locate the key actors. Therefore war is never an appropriate way to resolve disputes. The point of harmony simply needs to be identified instead. Correct laws and institutions can guide behavior, revealing the harmony of interests (this was the purpose of the league of. States are not always the most important actors. States are not rational unitary actors, but are composed of many different groups, bureaucracies, individuals, and firms. States are under pressure to do much more than ensure survival of the country, so they have many different goals (power may not be the most important: rationalist institutionalism. International regimes can facilitate the making of agreements by actors. Actors are interested in the pursuit of goals which are not always zero-sum in nature.