What is a referent object PDF

Preview

Summary

notes...

Description

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

What is a referent object? What are the main referent objects when talking about security? What can be defined as State? Why are States traditionally viewed as the referent object? What can threaten the security and stability of States? A State can be defined as a political organisation whose rule is territorially ordered and which is able to mobilise the means of violence to sustain that rule (Giddens, 1985, 20). 7. States are traditionally viewed as the main referent object as they are expected to guarantee the security of their citizens. 8. Military threats, rival threats and sub-groups can threaten the security of States. 9. What concepts do Realists focus on? 10. How do Realists perceive power? 11. What is the referent object for Realists? 12. The Realist tradition focuses upon power, fear and anarchy. 13. Power is seen as synonymous to wealth, population and military strength. State is viewed as the main referent object for Realists 1. How do Classical Realists understand security? 2. Why do States desire more power? 3. Why do Classical Realists perceive international politics to be evil? 4. How does Rational Choice Theory comes into play? 5. Security is about domination and accumulating power. 6. To dominate rival States. This desire for power is rooted in the flawed nature of humanity. 7. Because it is usually evil people who are making foreign policy. 8. Statesmen are rational actors, thus strategies are made rationally after taking into account costs and benefits of different potential courses. Notion of greedy states....