Robert O. Kehoane and Joseph S. Nye, Jr. “Power and Interdependence” In this text, Keohane and Nye try to shape and define a new concept of power applied on international relations based on the notion of interdependence, which is a concept broadly used and misunderstood in the discipline. Interdependence is getting more and more important in defining international affairs, inter-state relationships and worldwide behaviors; for a good understanding of the issue, we should now define the cornerstone, the backbone of the whole topic. Interdependence means, in Keohane and Nye's words, the situation of “mutual dependence [...] characterized by reciprocal effects among countries or among actors in different countries”. Although it is certain and it sounds nice, this definition lacks an important feature that is added later in the text: there is interdependence. We should avoid to consider interdependence as a static concept, a stone prisoned in theory, as the relativeness of the issue dealt with may show different varieties. I think the general seperation done by Keohane and Nye in the text is to differentiate two main streams of thought in international relations: the modernists (they think the world is getting borderless) and the traditionalists (they believe the state remains the main actor and that military force is necessary in dealing with international relations). This is the starting point to confirm that contemporary world politics is not a seamless; it is a tapestry of diverse relationships” and that “interdependence affects world politics and the behavior of states; but governmental actions also influence patterns of interdependence. Keohane and Nye present the breaking-point question : “what are the characteristics of wo... ... middle of paper ... ... complex interdependence conditions; 4. “above a certain level of conflict the international organization model and sensitivity interdependence become largely irrelevant”. In the final part of the text, Keohane and Nye tell us that none of the models is sufficient alone to explain the world political behavior of such many actors; the best way they suggest for investigating the dynamics that take place in a context of complex interdependence is to proceed step by step, starting from the simplest model and adding a percentage of complexity to our model as soon as it reveals to be insufficiently explanatory, “combining explanations”. International relations theorists, considering all the issues that are affecting the world dynamics, should provide themselves a compass, in order to understand which role are they going to play, when and, most important, how.
International organizations such as NATO and the UN are essential not only for global peace, but also as a place where middle powers can exert their influence. It is understandable that since the inception of such organizations that many crises have been averted, resolved, or dealt with in some way thro...
Mearsheimer J. J. (2010). Structural Realism. International Relations Thoeries, Discipline and Diversity (Second Edition), p.77-94
Understanding the World ‘We’ Live in’, International Affairs, Vol. 80, No. I, (2004) pp. 75-87.
Geographic and economical gains are the constant aims in the anarchic system that rule the international community currently. Along with this claim, the brilliant realist that measheimer is, emphasize on the importance of ‘self-protection’ as inevitable tool for nation to keep power, “survival is the primary goal of great powers” (handout page 3). The key role within the international community is, according to Measheimer realisms, the states. So the importance of state behavior is very self-focus conscious about the fear of outsider intervention in domestic policy. The last key factor of realism in Mearsheimer works, is the reference to the lack of balance of power since each nations is most likely to care more for gains rather than concern for the loss of other
Frieden, Jeffry A., David A. Lake, and Kenneth A. Schultz. World Politics. New York: W.W. Norton &, 2013. Print.
Schmidt, B. C. (2007). Realism and facets of power in international relations. In F. Berenskoetter & M. J. D. Williams (Eds.), Power in world politics (pp. 43-63). London: Routledge.
The creation of the study of international relations in the early 20th century has allowed multiple political theories to be compared, contrasted, debated, and argued against one another for the past century. These theories were created based on certain understandings of human principles or social nature and project these concepts onto the international system. They examine the international political structure and thrive to predict or explain how states will react under certain situations, pressures, and threats. Two of the most popular theories are known as constructivism and realism. When compared, these theories are different in many ways and argue on a range of topics. The topics include the role of the individual and the use of empirical data or science to explain rationally. They also have different ideological approaches to political structure, political groups, and the idea that international relations are in an environment of anarchy.
Boyer, Mark A., Natalie Florea. Hudson, and Michael J. Butler. Global Politics: Engaging a Complex World. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2013. Print.
Joseph Samuel Nye Jr, an American political scientist is one of the most influential political thinkers in the last twenty years (according to a 2011 trip survey). In his 1977 book Power and Interdependence: World Politics in Transition, which he co-authored with Robert Keohane, Nye says that we live in an era of interdependence. Through the book, Nye and Keohane attempt to develop the concept of complex interdependence and explain the concept. They also co-found the international relations theory of neo-liberalism in the book as a response to Kenneth Waltz’s theory of neo-realism. They seek to explain how over the years the transnational relations and international politics are changing in such a way that the military force is decreasing and instead there is an increase in the other forms of interdependence such as economic interdependence between nations, which increases cooperation between nations as international cooperation is something that every nation wants. Power and interdependence makes it clear that world politics is changing, and they try to understand how the changes are happening alongside rapid technological change. The book tries to explain the role of power and of economic interdependence in current international politics
Whenever world politics is mentioned, the state that appears to be at the apex of affairs is the United States of America, although some will argue that it isn’t. It is paramount we know that the international system is shaped by certain defining events that has lead to some significant changes, particularly those connected with different chapters of violence. Certainly, the world wars of the twentieth century and the more recent war on terror must be included as defining moments. The warning of brute force on a potentially large scale also highlights the vigorousness of the cold war period, which dominated world politics within an interval of four decades. The practice of international relations (IR) was introduced out of a need to discuss the causes of war and the different conditions for calm in the wake of the first world war, and it is relevant we know that this has remained a crucial focus ever since. However, violence is not the only factor capable of causing interruption in the international system. Economic elements also have a remarkable impact. The great depression that happened in the 1920s, and the global financial crises of the contemporary period can be used as examples. Another concurrent problem concerns the environment, with the human climate being one among different number of important concerns for the continuing future of humankind and the planet in general.
The international system is an anarchical system which means that, unlike the states, there is no over ruling, governing body that enforces laws and regulations that all states must abide by. The International System in today’s society has become highly influential from a number of significant factors. Some of these factors that will be discussed are Power held by the state, major Wars that have been fought out in recent history and international organisations such as the U.N, NATO and the W.T.O. Each of these factors, have a great influence over the international system and as a result, the states abilities to “freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social, and cultural development”.
While some may argue that a state-centric international system is apt for non-state actors, since to attain a foreseeable future, they need to comprehend the state system and how to operate within it. This structure is weakening as non-state actors are increasing their influence in conflicts and challenging the international order founded upon the power of states. The openness of commercial markets and the weakening territorial sovereignty has limited the state’s monopoly of power asserted by structural realists. In Structural Realism After the Cold War, Kenneth Waltz alleges that, “If the conditions that a theory contemplated have changed, the theory no longer applies.” Theories and traditions in international relations must become more comprehensive if society intends to tackle the conflicts of the 21st century more effectively in the future.
There are three main arguments concerning the discussion over the amount of power regimes have in the international system. The neo-realist argument is the first one where regimes are not merely considered as inadequate, but sometimes deceptive. This perspective is regarded as conventional structural. Keohane and Stein support the second argument, which states that regimes have certain worth, but only under particular conditions. Finally, the Grotian argument perceives regimes as an essential, secondary phenomenon feature of human nature. The connection of international and domestic stakeholders, through benefits, influence, standards, societies, and knowledge lead to the likely development of regimes.
international politics (politics in general) are objective to be interpreted by one's own understanding of
IOs and states play a critical role in maintaining world peace and security. The United Nations (UN), in particular, is the centerpiece of global governance with respect to the maintenance of world peace. The UN provides general guidelines for all the states on how to solve potential conflicts and maintain international o...