Literature Review : Classics Of International Relations

Many of the authors of the readings for this week seem to be writing past each other. While all of these readings come from a 10-year time span and discuss multilateralism and/or sovereignty, there are stark distinctions in who or what is being discussed as the referent object of international relations or world order. This begs the question, can we read, for instance, Stephen Krasner and Robert Cox in dialogue with each other or are they writing on the same general topic, but from such distinct frameworks that the discussion ultimately collapses? Even if the discussion does collapse, is there something worthwhile in attempting to engage these authors?

Huntington’s initial article argued that in the post-Cold War era the fundamental source of conflict would not be ideological or economic, but cultural. He continues by arguing that nation states will continue to be the most powerful actors in global affairs, but the conflicts of global politics that are to occur in the future will happen between

After reading William R. Keylor's The Legacy of the Great War, I realized the important events that pertain to the international relations. Until our present day there has not been so many great leaders come together to address issues such as: politics, economics, and social settings in Europe. This is the beginning of the problems in European civilization.

After earning his master’s degree and Ph. D from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Famous historian William Appleman Williams of Atlantic, Iowa, wrote the book, The Tragedy of American Diplomacy in response to the rampant changing things happening around him. Enraged, Williams’ addresses several points with foreign policy being the main one. He encompasses several themes throughout his book such as American capitalism, the failure of American liberalism, and the Open door notes. These themes help convey his view on the matters at hand, which for a lack of a better term was pissed. Quite frankly, Williams’ gets straight to the point without being around the bush with his extremely biased views by going into depth about America’s morbid foreign policy.

struggle for power in the international system still exists, however the collection of powerful, banded states “create rules and institutions that ensure a stable order in which to pursue their interests” and ultimately “dominate the system.” Liberalism recognizes that multiple states can share a benefit and while relative power exists, and there is the potential for communal gain that is nonzero-sum. This key distinction is essential to building a comprehensive perspective of the liberal system, and its actors, who promote adherence to the rules established for the collective gain of the members of the system, not just the relative gains against the adversaries. In addition, unlike a realist paradigm, once a hegemon becomes so powerful that it decides to unilaterally act in pursuit of its interests, it will soon recognize the limits of its power.

Multiple Characters throughout this book have provided sound reasons for the problems that we faced even today, with foreign policy. I have identified three characters who represent the good, the bad, and the ugly of foreign policy. The first character "the good,"

Walter Mead, in his article “The American Foreign Policy Legacy”, agrees with Kaufman that we must know the history of foreign policy to accurately understand its significant lessons. While Kaufman points out the average citizen’s lack of knowledge regarding foreign policy, Mead blames those higher up, especially the decision makers who he thinks should

The study of international relations pertains to the understanding of the rules of engagement between the sovereign states. This study falls under the domain of political science and international law studies. Based on the study of international relations, an individual gets an insight into the foreign policies of a government, the political dynamics that are prevalent in a region and overall global events awareness. It also enables understanding the entities of intergovernmental organizations. Understanding of the international relations also pertains to comprehending the level of declared and vested interests possessed by different states in the course of interaction with other nations. Study of international relationship also pertains to finding amicable means towards the resolution of the problems faced through diplomatic engagement of the parties (Wilkinson 2007).

There are two, key conflicting theories in the study of international relations, idealism and realism, known to scholars as the ‘Great Debate’. Realism, offers an account of international affairs through four central ideas; that states are the key players in international relations, the decentralised international stage is anarchic, actors are rational and self-interested

There are many theories that defines international relations. Most of these relations based on ideas that acts in accordance to the national interest of that particular country. These theories represents a set of ideas that explains how should International Relations should be conducted. The major theories are Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism and Marxism.

Contemporary international relations is a complex field. Understanding events and attempting to make sense of them can be a daunting task. There are, however, tools available, which can assist in providing clarity to these complex issues. The first of these tools is historic knowledge. Without historic background of an issue, it is nearly impossible to understand the events driving that issue in modern times. A second tool, the one which will be the focus of this paper, is international relations theory. Theory can be defined as “a belief, policy, or procedure proposed or followed as the basis of action,” (Merriam-Webster) and can be used “in many cases as a basis of prediction.” (Mingst 56) There are three major theories which we

This book is based on the views and discussions of Henry Kissinger and American Diplomacy

The first paradigm of international relations is the theory of Realism. Realism is focused on ideas of self-interest and the balance of power. Realism is also divided into two categories, classical realism and neo-realism. Famous political theorist, Hans Morgenthau was a classical realist who believed that national interest was based on three elements, balance of power, military force, and self interest (Kleinberg 2010, 32). He uses four levels of analysis to evaluate the power of a state. The first is that power and influence are not always the same thing. Influence means the ability to affect the decision of those who have the power to control outcomes and power is the ability to determine outcomes. An example of influence and power

Kegley and Raymond stated: “The shape of the world’s future will be determined not only by changes in the objective conditions of world politics, but also by the meanings people ascribe to these conditions.” Terrorism is presently a major factor in international relations and has impacted the world to change in many significant ways. Terrorism is a political ideology that has been problematic in defining definitely because of its various interpretations around the world, as well as the fact that it is constantly evolving. Since the terrorist events of 9/11, the lives of many have been changed forever. A small group of individuals, which are a mere fraction of the population of the world, have managed to impact and shape the way international and domestic relations are looked at and handled. People question how secure and safe they feel due to uncertainty of public safety because of events such as 9/11. The war on terrorism in the 21st century has certainly and inevitably changed the landscape for global politics. However, the relationship between terrorism and global politics is troublesome and in ways problematic to describe accurately. Both terrorism and global politics individually are complicated phenomenon. It is erroneous to propose that one is responsible for the other or vice versa, but they are inextricably and inevitably linked. In the study of international relations, there are multiple theories and theoretical perspectives. In this essay, realism and liberalism

It is no dispute that international relations, in both contemporary times and the past, has always been characterized by power. Relationships between states are usually characterized by one state having power over the other. In reality, the international playing field is characterized by a hierarchy of states, their place in the order depending on the amount of power they possess. Although the existence of power as a central concept in international relations is universally accepted, how power is defined is the subject of many debates. Because there is a multiplicity of perspectives to be used in looking at international relations – such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, and rationalism, among many others – the views on power can be numerous.