The Theory of Structure: An Analysis
Structure is an anomaly in the field of IR largely because of the nature of its constituent components. Practices of social production and reproduction are not difficult to locate if you relay the relevant evidence, contrary to this idea. The concept continues to be open to wide interpretation, as shown by the respective approaches of Alexander Wendt and Kenneth Waltz.
Does positivism really ‘work’ in the social sciences?
Although positivism has evolved over the years, at its core several key aspects have remained constant. It is based on a foundationalist ontology, that is, one in which the world exists independently of our knowledge of it, and at its heart is the promise of unambiguous and accurate knowledge of the world which can be arrived at through sensory experience.
How did international power relations contribute to the Third World debt crisis?
It’s widely agreed that the Third World Debt crisis began in Mexico in 1982 sparking a chain reaction across Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe. Domestic factors such as capital flight and corruption played a part but the main cause can be traced to the US and the rise of interest rates in 1979.
Para-diplomatic theory and Welsh external relations
Sub-national politics is playing an ever more significant role in the way international policy is developed. Para-diplomatic theory provides a compelling thesis in describing the National Assembly for Wales on the international stage. The development of the Welsh Assembly since devolution in forwarding Welsh culture, language, and economic prosperity can be seen as a significant example of sub-state growth.
How important is an actor’s identity in understanding global politics today?
This essay will argue that an actor’s identity is integral in understanding global politics today, with identity helping to shape and drive an actor’s interests as well as their interpretation and response to events. Moreover, identity is critical to how other actors respond to them and their actions.
France and United Kingdom in Libya
In the context of the Middle East uprisings of 2011, Libya was the only example in which foreign intervention was deemed necessary because of the potential human cost. This paper will attempt to rationalize the theoretical concept, or the reasoning, behind the humanitarian intervention which led France and the UK to enforce the ‘no-fly’ zone mandate.
Should we regard gender-based violence as a weapon of war?
This essay argues that all violence can be exposed as an expression of gender; as an expression of masculinity or as an attack on femininity. It goes on to explore the ways in which the violence of the War on Terror and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq are based on gendered narratives.
The Case for Constructivism In Analysing the India-Pakistan Conflict
On the face of it, South Asia appears to vindicate the Hobbesian image of international relations that is a central component of many rationalist/realist analyses and theories. Yet a closer look reveals that Constructivism offers great value to understanding and analysing India-Pakistan relations.
The causal relationship between culture and foreign policy making in Muslim countries
Pragmatism rules the roost in Muslim states, yet the role of Islam must not be underestimated. The faith inspires, promotes and legitimises the actions of Muslim states and whilst it has little causal role in foreign policy, it nonetheless has an integral part in advancing it.
The Relevance of Structures in International Society: A Critique of Krasner
The international system is a complex make up of actors and structures that exist at the bequest of scholars to demonstrate how international society can be governed. Within this systemic analysis exists a topic of much debate: what governs the actions of a state?
