Hammering Out (and In) TheoriesHammering Out (and In) TheoriesKimberly Weir

Northern Kentucky University

Part 1

1. Explain basics of each theory.

2. Assign two authors’ writings related to each theory.

3. Have students identify and cite the source of ideas from each author that relate 4 different tenets.

4. Discuss their findings.

5. Spend 1-3 days discussing how readings relate to the tenets of each theory.

Part 2

1. Assign a current events article or case study.

2. Break students up into 6 groups—2 groups per theory.

3. Each group is responsible for explaining the situation from their theoretical perspective.

4. Each group must also defend why their theory best explains the situation.

5. Then have students explain the situation using the other theories and identify holes in those explanations.

6. Put the two similar groups together to see if they came up with similar explanations and defenses.

7. Have each group explain the situation from their perspective, then cross-examine one another.

Source: Adapted from Blake, David H. and Walters, Robert S. (1987) The Politics of Global Economic Relations, 3rd. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. Adaptations and additions to this matrix were made by Mark A. Boyer and Robert A. Denemark.

Concept Realism Liberalism Marxism

Theory Variants Neorealism, Mercantilism (in IPE)Neoliberalism, Idealism,

NeoinstitutionalismNeoMarxism, Dependencia Theory,

World Systems Theory

Basic PremiseInternational relations dominated by

states acting in own self-interest

International relations benefit from cooperation

among multiple actors

International relations structured and dictated by

classes struggling for economic control

Influential Philosophers

Thomas Hobbes, Hans Morganthau Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Woodrow Wilson Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels, V.I. Lenin

Basic Tenets

1) States are the primary actors

2) States are unitary, rational actors

3) Relations are zero-sum

4) Relations are power struggles

5) National interest drives relations

1) Multiple actors matter

2) Relations can be positive sum

3) Relations are based on more than just power struggles

4) Zero-sum relations benefit the wealthy

1) Relations are system based, zero-sum where the rich oppress the poor

2) Relations are based on class struggle

3) Capitalism is the primary mode of production

4) Relations are driven by economic factors

5) States and international organizations are tools of the oppressor

Primary Actor(s) Self-interested states States, IGOs, NGOs, MNCs Owners of capital

Primary Motivation for Relations

Self-help in chaotic system Cooperative, collaborative Exploitative

View of Human Nature

Pessimistic Optimistic Pessimistic

View of the International System

States in chaotic, competitive systemCooperation is beneficial to greatest

number of peopleSystem structure perpetuates disparities

between rich and poor

Ultimate Goal in Relations

Stability and self-preservation Cooperation for mutual benefitAmass more wealth (for wealthy)

or revolution (for poor)

Concept Mercantilist (Neo)Liberal Marxist

Basic ValueMaximum growth in national

economyMaximum growth in national and

global economy

Progression toward a classless society;

end of exploitation

Distribution of Benefits

Zero-sum: favoring powerful Positive sum Zero-sum: favoring wealthy

Inherent Conflict in System

Large amount due to competitionMinimal; states see value of

cooperationVery large - recurrent crises;

dialectic nature of system

Persistent Cleavages

National conflict is foundation of system;

cleavages if more than one stateNone Rich vs. Poor

Obstacle to National Goals

Not enough national power relative to others

Irrational state policiesCapitalist dominance of domestic

and global economies

Attitude Toward IOs

Irrelevant or IOs as national toolsFacilitators of cooperation; can

establish and oversee rules and norms in system

Provision of infrastructure for rich to oppress the poor

Main Characteristics of Economic Order

Competition and pursuit of national interest and power

Sovereign and autonomous states with wide decision latitude; states involved

in positive sum collaboration

Hierarchical - hierarchy of classes primary;

also dominant and dependent states

Preferred Means of

Resource Allocation

Government control through values market

if works to state advantage in systemFree market

Until capitalism completely dies, state administers; thereafter socially

equitable classless distribution w/o state

Relationship of Economics &

Politics

Politics drives economicsShould be separated as much as

possibleEconomics determines politics

Introduction to International Politics International Political Economy