Final Exam Revision Key Terms List: How To Use This Document ✓ Solved
Final Exam Revision Key Terms List How to use this document:
Use this list as a summary list to revise the terms you learn in this class and refresh your knowledge on the course before the exams. Always look for relations between the key terms/phenomenon, the timelines and shifts of the different phenomenon.
Week 2 Key terms: 1. Realism a. Classical Realism b. Structural realism/Neo Realism 2. Liberalism a. Neoliberalism b. Post-Cold War liberalism 3. Anarchy 4. Prisoner’s Dilemma vs. Cooperation 5. States as Unitary Actors 6. States as Rational Actors 7. Relative Power vs. Absolute Power Thinking Questions: What are the assumptions that realist, liberals, constructivist (see next section) have about international relations? How does these assumptions affect the ways they think about international cooperation?
Week 3 Key terms: Constructivism · Meanings of Anarchy · Alexander Wendt · Discursive Practices · Critiques of Constructivism - from Realist, Liberals perspectives Marxism · Dependency Theory (See Tutorial Slides) · Dominant vs Dependent States · Role of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) · Examples? · World Systems Theory · Immanuel Wallerstein · Core Vs. Periphery vs. Semi-Periphery Gender and Feminist perspectives a. Liberal Feminism b. Social/Marxist Feminism c. Radical Feminism d. Postcolonial Feminism What does the different Feminisms say about the international order? Thinking Questions:
Week 4 Key terms: Level of Analysis – System, state, individual Systems Realist/Liberal/Constructivist understandings of the International System · Balance of Power · Bipolar vs. Multipolar · Pluralism · Interdependence · Anarchy (recap from Week 2/3) Hegemony · Hegemonic stability · Gramscian approach State · Sovereignty – define · Challenges to sovereignty · Shifting meanings of sovereignty · Relation between state and sovereignty and power · Liberal democratic state · Embedded liberalism Individual · Role of leaders · Role of masses · Public opinion Thinking Questions: How the different levels of analysis be used to present your arguments? How have meanings associated with sovereignty change?
Week 5 and Week 11 Key terms: Intergovernmental Organization (IGOs) - define, give example Non-governmental Organization (NGOs) - define, give example IGOs/NGOS and Anarchy Role of International Law · Liberal Democratic states The Liberal Paradigm · Define Human Rights · Shift towards the neoliberal paradigm · Challenges to the neoliberal paradigm · Different forms of Crisis · Global Order – how does hierachy, power and influence look like under the global order? · Corporate Social Responsibility Thinking questions: How does Realist/Liberal/Constructivists perceive NGOs/IGOs and International Law? How does NGOs/IGOs make international cooperation possible?
Week 6 and Week 7 and Week 10 Key terms: International Political Economy · Define · Timelines of International Trade – Bretton Woods, WTO, GATT Globalizations · Define · Actors of globalization · Impacts of globalization Fordism period to Post-Fordism period Global Trade · Comparative Advantage – Ricardo · Types of resources · Bretton Woods System · Globalising liberal economy · Effects of a globalising liberal economy Transnational migration – trends? · Define migrants Push Factors for migration Pull Factors for migration
Week 9 Key Terms: · World Systems Theory · International Financial Institutions · Relationship between poverty and development · “Third World†· Dependency Theory (Recap) · Radical Dependency · Mercantilism · Neoliberal Structural Adjustments Week 8 Nuclear Weapons · Define · The development of nuclear weapons · Theory of non-proliferations Terrorism · Define · Timelines of terrorism · Examples Thinking Questions How has the nature of conflict and war change overtime? How has nuclear weapons change tensions and conflicts between states?
Final Key Notes for Exams · Have a brief outline/pointers outline before you start typing down your answers · Start your essay with a main thesis statement · Use examples to support your argument · Paragraph your answers · Keep sentences short and neat. · Check through your work when you are done Breathe, and sleep early before the exams. Good Luck.
POLS 2201 B Introduction to International Politics Fall 2020 Final Exam The exam will need to be submitted no later than 9:00 am on Thursday December 17 via the link located on the Eclass course site as a Word file. On the first page of the exam indicate your name, the course number (POLS 2201 B), the date and your TA’s name. Late exams will not be graded. If you experience any technical problems, attach the file to an email and send to your TA ON TIME. Upload the file on Eclass as soon as possible thereafter.
Instructions: Write an essay on one topic from each of the following sections (3 essays total), drawing from the course lectures, readings, and tutorial discussions. Each essay must be written in essay format, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. Spelling and/or grammar mistakes will not be penalized, but your writing must be in complete sentences and not in point form.
Essay topics (select and write an essay on one topic from each section; total 3 essays) Section A (select . Sovereignty has been an important and contentious concept in the modern era. Discuss its different meanings in different contexts. How relevant is sovereignty today? Section B (select . Since the 1800s, the liberal state has shifted from the minimal to the Keynesian and then the neoliberal state. Outline the crises that caused these shifts and the major components of each type of state. Section C (select . Does everyone win with the globalization of trade and finance? Discuss with reference to International Financial Institutions and trade agreements.
Paper For Above Instructions
In the modern international landscape, the concept of sovereignty has evolved significantly, reflecting historical shifts and the complexities of globalization. Sovereignty, traditionally defined as the authority of a state to govern itself, is not a static concept and can manifest differently based on geopolitical, cultural, and historical contexts. This essay will explore the varying meanings of sovereignty in contemporary discussions, focusing on its relevance today amidst globalization and international interdependence.
Historically, sovereignty emerged as a crucial principle in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, where the notion of statehood and territory was solidified. Sovereignty implied absolute autonomy and control over a defined geographical area, where a state had the exclusive right to legislate, govern, and use force. However, this traditional notion is increasingly challenged as globalization fosters interdependence among states. For example, international treaties and organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union, often require states to cede a portion of their sovereignty in favor of collective decision-making and cooperation.
In 21st-century discussions, sovereignty also reflects the ability of states to act in their national interest within a global framework. The emergence of non-state actors, such as multinational corporations (MNCs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), complicates traditional notions of state sovereignty. For instance, MNCs wield substantial power that can influence domestic policies, often transcending national borders and thus questioning the primacy of state authority.
Moreover, the relevance of sovereignty has shifted concerning issues such as human rights and environmental protection. The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine posits that sovereignty is not merely about territorial integrity but also includes a moral obligation to protect citizens. This view challenges the traditional perspective that sovereignty allows states to act unimpeded by international scrutiny, especially when domestic policies result in human rights violations.
In contrast, some argue that globalization dilutes national sovereignty, as states become increasingly reliant on financial institutions and international markets, thus losing their autonomous decision-making authority. For instance, during the debt crisis, countries like Greece faced significant pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union, which imposed strict austerity measures that undermined Greece's sovereignty.
Furthermore, contemporary crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the limits of sovereignty. States struggled to act independently as the transnational nature of the virus necessitated coordinated responses. This interplay between sovereignty and global challenges raises questions about the future of state autonomy in an interconnected world.
In conclusion, sovereignty remains a vital concept in international relations, yet its meanings have adapted to reflect contemporary realities. While traditional notions emphasize territorial integrity and absolute authority, current discussions highlight the interdependencies between states and the influence of global dynamics. Sovereignty today is not merely about control over territory but also about the responsibility of states to engage with global demands and challenges.
In Section B, the liberal state has undergone significant transformations since the 1800s, migrating from a minimal state approach to a Keynesian framework, and most recently, to a neoliberal paradigm. Each phase of this evolution was precipitated by distinct crises that prompted shifts in economic policy and state intervention.
The minimal state approach, rooted in classical liberalism, emphasized limited government intervention in the economy. This philosophy prevailed until the Great Depression of the 1930s, which exposed the inadequacies of leaving the market to self-regulate. The economic collapse led to widespread unemployment and social unrest, prompting a re-evaluation of the state's role. In response, Keynesian economics emerged as a solution, advocating for active government intervention to stimulate demand and support economic recovery. Key elements of this approach included public works programs, social safety nets, and regulation of financial markets, which aimed to stabilize capitalism and prevent future crises.
However, by the late 20th century, crises such as the 1970s oil shocks and rising inflation transformed the economic landscape, leading to the rise of neoliberalism. This paradigm shift was characterized by deregulation, privatization, and a faith in free markets as mechanisms for economic growth. The influence of economists like Milton Friedman and the implementation of structural adjustment programs by international financial institutions marked this transition. However, critics argue that neoliberalism exacerbates economic inequality and fails to address systemic issues in global capitalism.
In conclusion, the liberal state has experienced significant shifts from minimal to Keynesian and now to neoliberal frameworks, shaped by economic crises that revealed the limitations of previous approaches. As globalization continues to reshape economic relations, the future of the liberal state remains in question, reflecting ongoing debates about governance, regulation, and economic justice.
Finally, in Section C, the globalization of trade and finance offers both opportunities and challenges, raising the question of whether all participants benefit from this interconnected system. While proponents argue that globalization fosters economic growth and enhances efficiency, critics contend it exacerbates inequalities and creates disparities between nations.
International Financial Institutions (IFIs), such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), play a critical role in this dynamic. They provide financial support and technical assistance to countries, influencing their economic policies and development strategies. However, the conditionalities imposed by IFIs often lead to austerity measures that negatively affect public services, raising concerns about the overall benefit to the population.
Trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), also illustrate the complexities of globalization. While these agreements aim to reduce trade barriers and stimulate economic growth, they frequently benefit multinational corporations at the expense of local industries and labor rights. Workers in developing countries often suffer from exploitative labor practices, as corporations seek to maximize profits by minimizing labor costs.
In conclusion, while globalization presents opportunities for economic growth and integration, it also poses significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure equitable benefits for all involved. The role of IFIs and trade agreements highlights the complexities and inequities that characterize the globalization process, demonstrating that not all participants win in this evolving landscape.
References
- Wendt, A. (1999). Social Theory of International Politics. Cambridge University Press.
- Keohane, R. O., & Nye, J. S. (2011). Power and Interdependence. Longman.
- Bourdieu, P. (2000). Pascalian Meditations. Stanford University Press.
- Rodrik, D. (2011). The Globalization Paradox: Democracy and the Future of the World Economy. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Friedman, M. (2002). Capitalism and Freedom. University of Chicago Press.
- Harvey, D. (2005). A Brief History of Neoliberalism. Oxford University Press.
- Stiglitz, J. E. (2002). Globalization and Its Discontents. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Ruggie, J. G. (1998). Constructing the World Polity: Essays on International Institutionalization. Routledge.
- Wallerstein, I. (1974). The Modern World-System. University of California Press.
- Anderson, P. (1998). Lineages of the Absolutist State. Verso Books.