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HIPC Notes Revision Theories

The document outlines four theoretical approaches in International Political Economy: Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and Marxism. Each approach includes core beliefs, key thinkers, and criticisms, highlighting the differing perspectives on state behavior, international cooperation, and economic structures. Realism focuses on power and survival, Liberalism emphasizes cooperation and institutions, Constructivism centers on ideas and identities, while Marxism critiques capitalism and economic inequalities.

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4 views2 pages

HIPC Notes Revision Theories

The document outlines four theoretical approaches in International Political Economy: Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and Marxism. Each approach includes core beliefs, key thinkers, and criticisms, highlighting the differing perspectives on state behavior, international cooperation, and economic structures. Realism focuses on power and survival, Liberalism emphasizes cooperation and institutions, Constructivism centers on ideas and identities, while Marxism critiques capitalism and economic inequalities.

Uploaded by

Lerato Joyce
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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International Political Economy (HIPC 080) Revision notes on theoretical approaches

1. Realism

• Core Beliefs:
o States are the primary actors.
o The international system is anarchic (no central authority).
o National interest and survival are key.
o Power (especially military) is the main currency.
• Key Thinkers:
o Thucydides, Niccolò Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes (Classical Realism)
o Hans Morgenthau, Kenneth Waltz (Neorealism/Structural Realism)
• Variants:
o Classical Realism – rooted in human nature (power-seeking).
o Neorealism – focuses on the structure of the international system.
• Criticisms:
o Too pessimistic; neglects cooperation and non-state actors.
o Underestimates the role of international institutions.

2. Liberalism

• Core Beliefs:
o Cooperation among states is possible.
o Emphasizes international institutions, democracy, and economic
interdependence.
o War is not inevitable.
• Key Thinkers:
o Immanuel Kant, Woodrow Wilson, Robert Keohane, Joseph Nye
• Key Concepts:
o Democratic Peace Theory – democracies are less likely to go to war with each
other.
o Complex interdependence – states are connected through multiple channels.
• Criticisms:
o Overly optimistic; assumes rationality and shared interests.
o Struggles to explain conflict between liberal democracies.

3. Constructivism

• Core Beliefs:
o Ideas, norms, and identities shape international relations.
o The international system is socially constructed.
o State interests are not fixed – they evolve through interaction.
• Key Thinkers:
o Alexander Wendt (“Anarchy is what states make of it”)
o Martha Finnemore, Nicholas Onuf
• Criticisms:
o Difficult to test empirically.
o Understates material power and interests.

4. Marxism / Critical Theories

• Core Beliefs:
o Focus on global capitalism and class struggle.
o IR reflects economic inequalities and exploitation.
o Emphasizes the role of imperialism and economic dependency.
• Key Thinkers:
o Karl Marx (influence), Antonio Gramsci, Immanuel Wallerstein (World-Systems
Theory)
• Variants:
o Dependency Theory, Neo-Marxism, World-Systems Theory
• Criticisms:
o Economically deterministic.
o Lacks practical policy application.

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