Read the summary and the most important questions on IO and IR theory

• 2 IO and IR theory

• 2.2 (Neo-)Realism

• What are the basic assumptions of neorealism?

  ●  The international system is anarchic (i.e. without superior authority; not linked with the presumption of chaos, however).
  ●  States are unitary actors. From the outside, states are all the same; they all want to improve national interest (power).

• What are IOs seen as according to realism?

  IOs are the “instruments” for powerful and dominant (hegemonic) states to pursue their national interests.

• What is the theory of hegemonic stability?

  If States think they can pursue their interests better through IOs, then they will create and use them. States make cost and benefit calculations to decide whether IOs are rational to use

• 2.3 (Neoliberal-)Institutionalism

• What are the three basic assumptions about Institutionalism?

  • States are seen as unitary, but interdependent actors (i.e. they all look the same, but are
    operating and acting inside a system that highlights their interdependence). What one state
    does affect another state’s actions, power, and interests.
    

  ●  IOs enable cooperation among states by reducing transaction costs (e.g. regular meetings help
  reduce uncertainty and increase knowledge and monitoring between states).
  ●  There are different types of “cooperation games” (game theory).

• 2.4 Liberalism

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• Where does cooperation between states with IOs happen from?

  
  

  • States can learn from previous interactions and mistakes made (e.g. comparing the League of Nations - LoN - to the UN).
    
  • States have shared values that can all be achieved (idealism).
    
  • Of foundations of economic
    interdependence.
    

• What is a basic assumption about liberalism?

  A very broad theory, where states are seen as plural actors (scholars have to open the “black box” of states to analyze them). Looks closely at what a state’s domestic institutions are.

• What does Immanuel Kant say about liberalism?

  democratic states will cooperate peacefully between IOs, democracy and economic interdependence (Triangulating Peace)

• 2.5 Social Constructivism

• What is the statement Alexander Wendt makes about social constructivism?

  “Anarchy is what states make of it.” The system is made anarchic by what states want to have.

• Basic assumptions about social constructivism?

  
  

  • Noms, ideas, discourse and culture matter when shaping states’ behaviours and interests.
    
  • IOs are autonomous actors (not fora or instruments) that shape (socially construct world
    politics and the interests of states. This constitutive power of IOs allows them to shape the
    constitution of world power better.
    
  • However, IOs are not the only actors. social constructivism also takes non-state actors into
    account (including norm entrepreneurs, advocacy networks and epistemic communities).
    

• 2.6 Critical theories

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• What is the meaning of critical theories?

  A broad category that has clear differences between the previous theories. They are very reflexive and take into consideration the position of the researcher (distinguish between problem-solving analytic theories and more normative theories)