Theory+of+International+Politics

SIS 701 IR Course Notes for 21 September - Eddy WALTZ - Chapters 4-5 from //Neorealism and its Critics//


 * Central Themes **

Waltz further explains his theory of neo- (or structural) realism. For Waltz the key mechanisms in politics (both domestic and international) are STRUCTURES. We should not examine individual actors behaviours to gain a broad understanding of the world, but instead look at the structures that shape and limit these behaviours. Even when actors change, these structures endure. These structures are not consciously developed, but instead arise due to the interaction of units within the individual systems. Domestic politics: The domestic realm is a hierarchal system. This leads actors to bandwagon with the most powerful actors. International Politics: The international realm is an anarchical --- there is no system-wide authority. Individual units act for themselves in a self-help world. States are concerned with their own survival (at the least) and global dominance (at the most)… most states fall somewhere in between… Although states differ, for the explanatory purposes of the theory we must think of them as alike parts. This structure leads to Balancing (Balance of power) within the international system, as states seek to protect themselves Waltz compares the domestic and international systems. Domestic politics has structures that shape behaviour. An example is the position of Prime Minister in British-style parliaments. The PM (in a majority government) technically has immense power (much more than a president) but he/she is limited in capabilities by the political structure --- must not antagonize their party or they can be dumped as PM (much easier than impeachment). In international politics “anything goes!” .. somewhat like a market system. Except: Through interaction of states structures form that reward or punish those who conform or don’t. Although Waltz acknowledges the existence of non-state actors, he sees their role as secondary to that of states. States are the units on which the structures of the international system are formed. States will outlive corporations and other non-state actors. Although Waltz says that states in the international system should be thought of as like units, their capabilities differ greatly. Capabilities = relative power When comparing states, we need to abstract everything except capabilities.
 * Chapter 4 - ** Political Structures

As the international system is self-help (a self-help system is one in which those who do not help themselves will fail to proper) States are concerned with relative gain and autonomy. States are worried about becoming dependent on other states, and thus this limits co-operation. With every state constrained to look after themselves no one can look after the system… thus Waltz views the impossibility of a world government. States seek security in alliances, but security comes at a trade-off with freedom (just like for individuals). Even when alliances do form, the international system remains fundamentally anarchical. __ Balance of Power Theory: __ This is a general theory. Thus, it is a parsimonious theory that does not seek to explain specific outcomes with individual units, but instead seeks a broad explanation of the system as a whole. For Balance of Power theory to exist you only need two factors: Anarchic order and populated by units seeking self-preservation. You also only need 2 units. Waltz provides a number of historical examples that provide evidence for his Balance of Power theory (such as evidence of balancing in the Peloponnesian War)
 * Chapter 5 - Anarchic Order and Balances of Power **