Chapter 4 - International Relations Theory (Gold - McGlinchey)

 

1. Explain Kuhn’s concept of “scientific revolution”. 

2. What are the two traditional theories in IR?

3. Explain “liberalism” in the field of IR. (p. 47)

4. Explain the role of Woodrow Wilson’s 14 points 

in the context of post-WWI. How does it relate to the 

liberal conception of the world? (p. 47)

5. Explain the notion of “realism” in the context of the 

collapse of the League of Nations in 1939. (p. 47) 

6. Explain Thomas Hobbes’ concept of “social contract”. 

Draw a parallel between Hobbes and the “realist” position

in IR. (p. 48)

7. According to the view of realists, there is no international 

contract. What is the main consequence of this fact?

8. Explain human nature under the perspective of realism, 

and under the perspective of liberalism. (p. 48)

9. Liberals tend to have a more optimistic view of IR, while 

realists tend to be more pessimistic. Why? (p. 49)

10. How do liberals read the role of International Organizations? 

Or: Why do states take part in International organizations, 

according to liberals? 

11. Same question, but for realists: How do realists read the role

of International Organizations? Or: Why do states take part 

in International organizations, according to realists? (p. 49)

12. Explain the main concepts of the “English School” (between

liberalism and realism).  (p. 50)

13. Explain the main concepts of “constructivism” (between 

mainstream theories and critical theories). (p. 50)

14. Explain Alexander Wendt’s concepts: agents and structures. 

15. Explain the main concepts of Critical Theories in the field 

of IR. (p. 51)

16. Explain the main concepts of Marxist theory in the field of 

IR. (p. 51)

17. Explain the main concepts of Post-colonial theory in the 

field of IR.

18. Explain the main concepts of Feminist theory in the field 

of IR. (p. 52)

19. Explain the main concepts of Post-structuralism in the field 

of IR.

20. Different perspectives on the UN:

21. Explain the liberal perspective on the UN. Justify.

22. Explain the constructivist perspective on the UN. 

Justify.

23. Explain the realist(ic) perspective on the UN. 

Justify.

24. Explain the critical theories’ perspective on the 

UN. Justify.

25. Explain the post-structuralist perspective on the 

UN. Justify.

26. Explain the feminist perspective on the UN. Justify.

27. Explain the post-colonialist perspective on the UN. 

Justify.