Revision for 2018 exam - The Topics that I have summerised and used for my exam in 2018 PDF

Title Revision for 2018 exam - The Topics that I have summerised and used for my exam in 2018
Course Introduction To International Relations
Institution Australian Catholic University
Pages 31
File Size 600 KB
File Type PDF
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The Topics that I have summerised and used for my exam in 2018...


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International Relations Study Guide

WEEK 1 The Basics Liberalism = Foundation of IR Realist = Critical Analysis Constructivism Anarchy What is IR?/ Need for IR/ The Theory/ IR and ir The Great Divide - What’s IR/ Need/ The Theory IR is the “external relations among nations, states and peoples” (Devetak 2005). Attempts to manage the deeply complex nature of the worldly events and politics. Also represents the desire for an academic discipline a matter of orientation within the world. The ability to understand creates avenues to improve global political environment but also at an individual level. International Relations as an academic discipline, although the extent to which it borrows from other fields without having much influence on the wider humanities and social sciences is, for some, a real cause for concern (see Buzan and Little 2001). All theories of international relations have to deal with the state and nationalism, with the struggle for power and security, and with the use of force, but they do not deal with these phenomena in the same way. - The Need however, is ‘our lives are so deeply affected by [the world] and our responses are so essential to IR… we must increase our capacity to understand, to decide to act’ (DEUTSCH 1968 viii) - The theory is simply to make sense on international developments, a process of elimination and shed light on the correct categories to apply a particular event too such as applying the theory of liberalism. It’s the idea pf explaining and understanding the world that is framed into debates, foreign policy, ethics, security studies etc. As IR attempts to elaborate general principles that can help orientate ourselves with our encounter with the complexities of the world. - IR means to improve ir it’s an introduction to the art and science of the survival of mankind. If civilization is killed within the next thirty years… but by foreign policy and international relations... International relations is that area of human action where inescapable interdependence meets with inadequate control… We can only try to adjust the world while adjusting to it. (DEUTSCH1968, vii) Deutsch means – Learning the disciplines of the world creates IR to improve rather than merely observe to create some sort of structure within the anarchical world. ‘“International Relations” (IR Academic) is the study of “international relations” (ir Ourselves) (Brown 1997, 3)

Liberalism – In broad terms as relying on claims about the impact of interdependence the benefits of free trade for example or collective security and the existence of real harmony of interests between states or shared institutions to spread and strengthen peace, ties of Democracy and global economics, to domesticate the international system as war(s) and disorder can be overcome and power is shared to aid in cooperation. Liberalism in Kant’s view argues we have an absolute duty to treat human being as autonomous moral agents. As we act morally because ‘we ought’ to and not because it brings us our own individual benefits and moral reason will prevail over anarchy and realism. Kant applies the notion of ‘perpetual peace’ this idea is the crux of Liberalism and the idea of peace underpins both the previous League of Nations to form the United Nations in later years. By integrating Liberalism into IR on a global scale the notions of an anarchic dystopian society is removed. Realism – In broader terms Realism acts in self-interest, as conflict is inevitable and relative power applies which means what is your position or power compared to that of your enemies. Realism deals with any objective analysis of international affairs must focus on power relations between states. Realists emphasise the fact that all states are the primary actors or centres of power or ‘power politics’ and consolidate power by enabling security. Anarchy – A condition marked by the absence of a power standing above and able to command sovereign states and anarchy acts in its own self-interests and desires rather than form meaningful relationships with other states. As conflict is inevitable (Realism) as Anarchy essentially mean chaos but more significantly its controlled by the complete lack and authority of the state(s). The Great Divide

New actors, issues, structures and processes are thought to have emerged in recent decades as a result of globalization – Seeing the overlap of Domestic issues that can affect Worldly Relations (Internationally). And as a result, some scholars now prefer ‘world’ or ‘global politics’ to ‘international relations’. Earth or planetary politics and the ecological dimensions of global life are included. – Politics of Environment which presents the further interaction of Domestic and International spheres. Thus, overtime it has become a complex area of study with many sub-fields and overlaps with other Social Science. Constructivism - Applies to how states are perceived to be from other states such as an ally, enemy, peaceful, communist, democratic or terrorist etc and being based on the criteria of nationalism and race, gender and religion. As this ideology takes form of more identifiable variables. As Constructivism not only presents the interaction between states by why it occurs which is shaped by persuasive ideas, collective values, culture, and social identities.

Week 2 The State in IR What is a state? Sovereignty and international relations Individuals in the state system Citizenship and the state International mechanisms to protect individuals against the state Statelessness and the international system – Also Solution The State in IR IN SHORT STATE = Government + population + territory+ ability to enter relations with other states Sovereignty = the form of independence from other states and the power of self-rule - Principle factor in international relations - Enshrined in UN Charter •

Citizenship = a legally recognised member of a state •





Rights and Duties

International mechanisms to protect individuals •

UN Declaration of Human Rights



EU Court of Human Rights



International Court of Justice



Humanitarian Law

Statelessness •

The most precarious condition for individuals in international system



International politics not able to solve

Three reasons for state-centric focus of IR – State policy is the most objective analysis of the state’s position that affect their own living and on the international level 1. States may possess, or be plausibly understood to possess, a national interest. 2. States are authoritative actors whose duly enacted policies are binding on their citizens and thus how citizens are affected and its binding on all citizens also including International Treaties that effects all within and out of the state

3. States are understood to be shaped and reshaped as states by their material and ideational environment What is a State? “A state is a human community that (successfully) claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a certain territory” Max Weber, Politics as a Vocation, 1919 “An entity that claims sovereign authority over a political community” State = permanent population + defined territory + government maintains power over the defined population+ conducts international relations with other states (organically, geographical or manmade = equally divided) UN vote is critical recognition to be seen as a state – Legally the state is not recognised through the UN no international legitimacy there is no true power State and Government Body of individuals, who monopolise political decision-making. Their function is to enforce existing laws, legislate new ones, and arbitrate conflicts etc and makes sure the State is effectively run. The Government is only an Element of State: Governments range from self-perpetuating or hereditary class of political actors (nondemocratic) or The collective will of state is expressed and put into practice through government. The Government is an Agency of State – All people living in the State are under Judiciary Discipline there is frequent turnover of the people actually filling the positions (democratic) Sovereignty In IR, sovereignty takes the form of independence from other states and the power of self-rule and is free of supreme authority/change/interference (at least in theory) In other words, (a) it is the right to govern domestically as sees fit, and (b) free from interference from international actors. The principle factor of non-interference in domestic matters was designed to help enhance international order and security in the anarchic society of states. Sovereignty and International Law International law establishes the framework and the criteria for identifying states as the principal actors in the international legal system and their interactions Main source Sovereignty in Int Law enshrined/embedded in UN Charter Article 2(1) of the UN Charter states that the organisation 'is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members'. Article 2(4), it prohibits the threat or use of force by any state against the political independence or territorial integrity of another sovereign state. Article 2(7), the United Nations prohibited intervention 'in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state’.

Provides points of interfering with other states if its violated and its idea of upkeeping the abuse of human rights to not take place The individual and State – Legal Actors and the State’s Law is binding Over the recent decades, sovereignty as there is restrictions upon this of a sovereign State ceased to be considered as synonymous with unrestricted power. - When committing Crimes Against Humanity - Responsibility to Protect Doctrine The rights of the individual have increased in international relations = More of the focus of Induvial rights within their state and possibly others Citizenship Legal member of a sovereign state – Belonging into that State/Member that implies Rights and Duties and reasonability that you owe as a citizen of that state and the laws and the State must be willing to protect and the recognition you are member of the nation Citizenship/nationality expresses certain legal, political, social, and cultural marks shared by members of the country Citizens implies “rights” and “duties” of an individual and includes: Rights: Political, legal and economic rights afforded by the state and Duties and responsibility: Allegiance, taxes, abiding by laws and military service etc. The term in international law denotes all persons whom a state is entitled to protect. Borders, the citizen and the “other” An assumed organic link between the territory and national identity that we live in and it cannot be clearly defined as War can corrupt these identities such as adding within the Australian Constitution in the past which included: White Australia Immigration Policy (end in 1973) Oriental Exclusion Act (US) Borders cleanly divide societies and ensure the safety and sanctity of the citizen (and “national identity and values”) and are respected by other outside states in a Realist interpretation Borders create a notion of self (citizens) and the other Citizenship as an outcome of the state system perceives the notion of a unitary identity and such an understanding of the world is ingrained to us and we assume we believe other belong in other places that our own when seeking immigration especially not within the realm of legal immigration as passports, flags and national anthems do emphasizes where we belong and where others also do not also boarders of each state also aid this when illegal passing is made by an individual when entering a sovereignty country also we need to aid this idea of removing our own identity within our state and adapt to a more humanitarian approach than believe that each race/religion/gender are different as identity is fluid as its constructed politically and socially. As the Consequence of race is also a way for the State to allow within the State it’s the portrayal of the State within a global stage but also internal values. Such as Race Ban/Immigration Act eg The White Australian Policy which can deny the

people/minorities that already belong to the States a way to not intergrade other races into the State’s perception as for example as all White Australian or British decent which can be detrimental to the way other outside States view our country. As the idea of Racism can be embedded within the laws of the State and the idea that other races can pose a threat of our identity of the people of the Sovereignty of the State. We are inclusive and Multicultural as ethnicity does not determine a human person from another as it’s a concept of ‘white privilege’. Discriminatory practices against peoples in society like African Americans (US), Jews (Nazi Germany), Ingenious peoples (Australia) etc. The individual and international system Various legal mechanisms developed to hold state to account for mistreatment of individuals and there are now legislations in place to uphold this notion over the decades Universal Declaration of Human Rights – International of the rights of an invidual although its not legally binding but it does add a structure and construct of how States’ should treat their people. Three Structures Pollical rights, Economic and Social Rights, Cultural and Minority Rights. Diplomatic Pressure to States to not Violate these Rights as there is also a moral Pressure too to rectify their choices from other outside states ‘’placed human rights at the centre of the framework of principles and obligations shaping relations within the international community." (EU 2003)- Underpins Individual within the State system to be protected European Court of Human rights – Judicial that emphasises the right to the freedom of religion and to a fair trial etc and provides changes with the domestic laws and signatories are signed by other States even are not under the European Union such as Russia and Turkey can be tried under this system Hears cases from individuals from 47 member states (Council of Europe) International Criminal Court – Prosecutes States that have violated rights such as genocide and ethnic cleansing Jurisdiction to prosecute individuals who have committed war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity (individuals in the state) 39 prosecuted so far Humanitarian Law - Laws of War to protect individuals who were not participating within the war and how to stay protected Statelessness and international system Not a citizen of any country – Deemed Stateless as there is no Worldly court to help this Reality for over 10 million around the world Attaining citizenship includes: jus soli (right of the soil) – Born within its territory jus sanguinis (right of blood) – Heritage and right of parents with given citizenship of an outside country and or excludes the mother but the father as the idea if Statelessness within the war there

are a lot of infants who are deemed Stateless due to the fatalities during the war the child is rejected by the father country. Some ways to statelessness Gaps or conflicts in nationality laws E.g. jus sanguinis from father only Discrimination against minority groups in legislation the Rohingya or Tibetan refugees in Nepal A lack of effective birth registration procedures or documentation Roma communities across Europe – Lack of birth certificates and documents Failure to include all residents in the body of citizens when a state becomes independent and the collapse of a country to be casted as Stateless as there is a lack of documents Statelessness Highly precarious situation for an individual No government to uphold rights Many stateless groups face harassment, discrimination and human rights violations. Cannot exercise the basic rights associated with citizenship or find it very difficult to do so and they're excluded to political exercises, maintaining healthcare, transport through cars and working in exploited realms due to being Statelessness than safe work areas, Excluded from political processes, cannot travel freely and blocked from publicly funded services such as education, health care and welfare support, Forced into illegal working conditions (unsafe, exploitative and abusive, slavery etc.), Face detainment by authorities Statelessness in international law Under article 15 of the UDHR, everyone has the right to a nationality and a person cannot be deprived of his or her nationality arbitrarily. – The only way is to refuse citizenship by an individual rather than the State taking it away as recognised by the UN International Treaties: The 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons The 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness - banning states cannot remove internationality even when there is a taking over of another state(s).

WEEK 3 WW1 and the birth of IR as we know it Realism and historical precedent Liberalism Liberalism in action (League of Nations)

Realism Balance of Power Constructivism WW1 Conventional view - Assassination of Ferdinand - Alliance formation in state system - Nationalism – Created new areas of interest/tensions for countries to - Militarism – Competion - Other causes: Imperialism Capitalism Emerging consensus No single, or even pronounced, cause of WWI – Combination of all powers with the misguided intention of glorious a war Birth of IR – Eradicate War established by Woodrow Wilson Spurred international thinking by the atrocities of WW1 and with aim to never have a repeat and damages society Sought ways to pacify international relations to produce a lasting, worldwide peace amongst all states and peoples Influenced by Immanuel Kant’s 18th century treaty for reaching “perpetual peace” – Leaders and thinkers created a widespread idea of elimination of war from President Woodrow Wilson from Kant’s view Kantian Approach to International Affairs – Fundamental to Imperialism to create trust with a constitutional idea that each state will be separation of powers and less overcome by power and self-interest, with the glorification of each monarchy and its representative of all people in order to be responsive through an legislative assembly that reflects the views and thoughts of the people. Thus, this is now the most entrenched into our way of life especially within the Western societies The two lasting legacies was the first modern creation of an International Institution to put the ideas of Liberalism into practice which then the League of Nations spurred into the ideological and institutional predecessor to the United Nations IR and Liberal aims The new discipline of International Relations was driven largely by broad-based liberal disposition Due to: 1. Tried to accentuate international cooperation, diplomacy and democracy as a way to overcome the more basic and violent urges that flourished during WW1 2. Major influence of the personal political views of US President Woodrow Wilson as he was an academia and establishing Liberalism as a key player. However, end however the League of Nations

acted a failure it was a trendsetter in allowing for liberalism to be considered a key player in IR next to Realism Woodrow Wilson 14 points The first 5 concern principles of liberal internationalism: Open Diplomacy Freedom of Navigation Removal of Economic Barriers Reduction of Armaments to levels concerning domestic safety Adjustment of Colonial Claims Rights to self-determination of colonised societies No 14: Creation of an Association of Nations Aims of Early IR in a nutshell This is the general context in which the discipline of International Relations was established. – Liberal tendance for all states to create discipline IR as a reaction to war and ‘desire . . . to prevent future wars must never be forgotten’ when assessing the discipline’s origins (Olson 1972: 12). Early Liberalism in action League of Nations – Wilsons intent: liberal internationalism wanted to move beyond the balance of power politics of anarchical international relations and establishing firmer institutional structures that supported...


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