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International Relations-PSC 201
VU
LESSON 44
HOW IR DIFFER FROM DOMESTIC POLITICS?
Anarchy - no government
Self-help system: World politics as "struggle for power." Nations in "constant state of war:" not always
at war, but threat of war constantly looms. Use of force is considered a legitimate means for settling
disputes among nations
Laws are not enforceable in international system. Few rules and no enforcement
Governments have monopoly on legitimate use of force in domestic society but no equivalent in
international society
Weaker sense of community and shared values, norms, standards of justice, views of authority, goals
and aspirations
Strategies for altering state behavior
A. "Sticks:" Punishment and deterrence. Sanctions for violation of pollution rules
B. "Carrots:" Rewards and incentives. Ozone case and North Korea nuclear situation
C. "Locks:" Prevention and coercion. Oil pollution equipment requirements
D. "Labels:" Information. Acid rain for example
E. "Sermons:" Normative education. Human rights and democracy arguments
Observations concerning visible changes in IR
1. Capacity of governments to implement: financial, administrative, infrastructure requirements
2. Asymmetries in power determine whose behavior is changed: strong disobey, but weak obey
3. Interdependence - more is better: fear of disturbing spider's web of relationships, more options
for reciprocity/retaliation
Relevant Vocabulary
Intellectual ­ concerning the intellect
Underpins ­ providing basis for
Reciprocity ­ same sort of reaction
Asymmetry ­ irregularity or unevenness
Suggested Readings
Students are advised to read the following to develop a better understanding of the various principals
highlighted in this hand-out:
State of IR Today
www.sussex.ac.uk/Users/hafa3/stateofIR.htm
International Relations Centre
www.irc-online.org/content/ggn/0505ggn.exec.php