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Big Issues, Big Debates Security and Political Economy in World Politics Learning Objectives The two big areas of inquiry in political science Why are security and political economy at the forefront of research? The central debates about security and political economy
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Big Issues, Big Debates Security and Political Economy in World Politics
Learning Objectives • The two big areas of inquiry in political science • Why are security and political economy at the forefront of research? • The central debates about security and political economy • What do Realists and Idealists say about these subjects?
Important definitions • Anarchy • Hierarchy • Nation-state • Security • International Security • National Security • Individual Security • Sovereignty
Big Issues • Two subjects dominate the field of International Relations • Security • International Political Economy
Security • At root, security refers both to the objective absence of threats to acquired values and the subjective sense that such values are safe. • International security refers to the ability of states to maintain their identity and functional integrity. • National security refers to threats (usually military) to the interests of specific states. • Individual security refers to the safety of people regardless of the security that states may enjoy.
State-centric views • Sovereign nation-states exist in a condition known as anarchy. • Anarchy is the absence of overarching authority. • No “third-party enforcers”
Domestic vs. International Politics • Domestic politics differ from international politics. • E.g., international politics is conducted under the shadow of war. • Domestic and international politics involve separate systems. • A system is an arrangement of things that are interconnected such that a change in one produces a change in the others.
The Realist Answer • “Realists” say that anarchy dooms us to live in a nasty, brutal world – a virtual war of all against all. • Trust is difficult if not impossible to establish. • Promises are unreliable. • Violence is constant
The Idealist Answer • “Idealists” argue that anarchy does not mean that we must permanently live under a shadow of violence. • Important processes exist that are capable of transforming international politics from a jungle to a society.
International Political Economy • Highlights the intersection of politics and economics. • Politics largely determines the framework of economics, channeling it in various directions. • Economic processes tend to redistribute power and wealth, transforming relations among groups.
Three conceptions of political economy • Mercantilist (Realist) • Liberal • Marxist
Realist Conceptions of Political Economy • Politics determines economic organization • National security issues and national sentiments are the primary engines of international economic exchange. • Nation-states are the principle economic actors • Economic relations are essentially conflictual. • Maximizing the national interest is the central goal of economic exchange
Realist Conceptions of Political Economy [cont.] • International economic activity changes in response to shifts in the international distribution of power. • E.g., from unipolarity to multipolarity.
Liberal Conceptions of Political Economy • In reality, politics determines economics, but economics should determine economics. • The pursuit of self-interest in a free, competitive economy achieves the greatest good for the greatest number. • Economic relations are fundamentally harmonious. • People and firms are interested in promoting free exchange.
Liberal Conceptions of Political Economy [cont.] • The goal of economic exchange in to maximize global welfare. • Free markets are dynamic, but tend to settle into periods of equilibrium. • Market expansion is the norm
Marxist Conceptions of Political Economy • Economics determines politics. • Capitalists (bourgeoisie) dominate global political processes • Economic activity is driven by class conflict. • Economic classes are the primary economic actors • Bourgeoisie and proletariat have opposing interests which both try to maximize.
Marxist Conceptions of Political Economy [cont.] • Capitalist economies have a tendency toward disequilibrium • Can lead to violent change.