CONCEPTS,

MODELS and
THEORIES
 Concept
• Definition: A concept is a basic idea or notion that helps
us understand and talk about something. It's like a
building block of knowledge.

• Concept: Sovereignty
• Explanation: Sovereignty is a fundamental concept in
IR, referring to a state's authority and control over its
own territory and the ability to make decisions without
external interference.
• Example: When a country makes its laws and decisions
independently without other nations telling it what to
do, it's exercising sovereignty.
 Model
• Definition: A model is a simplified representation of a more
complex thing or situation. It's like a small-scale version that
helps us understand the big picture.

• Model: Balance of Power Model

• Explanation: The balance of power model is a simplified

representation of the international system, where states
aim to prevent any single state from becoming too
powerful to maintain stability.
• Example: Imagine a seesaw with countries as weights. In
this model, the goal is to keep the seesaw balanced by
adding or removing weights (countries) to ensure no single
weight becomes too heavy.
 Theory
• Definition: A theory is a set of ideas or principles that
explain how something works or why things happen. It's
like a roadmap to understanding a particular topic.

• Theory: Realism

• Explanation: Realism is a theory in IR that suggests that

states primarily act in their self-interest, compete for power,
and focus on their security and survival.

• Example: When two countries engage in a trade war to

protect their own economies, it aligns with the realist
theory, as it emphasizes the pursuit of national interest over
cooperation.
 models
• Model is a theoretical representation of empirical
data that aims to advance understanding by
highlighting significant relationships and
interactions.
 theories
• Theory is a systematic explanation of empirical data,
usually (unlike a hypothesis) presented as reliable
knowledge.
Discover Your
IR Theory
1. What is the primary driver of state behavior in
the international system?

a) Anarchy and the self-help system.

b) International institutions and global governance.
c) The distribution of power among states.
d) The influence of ideas, norms, and culture.
2. How do you perceive the role of military power
in international politics?

a) It's a crucial tool for state survival and security.

b) It should be used as a last resort, with diplomacy
as the primary means of conflict resolution.
c) Military power is essential for maintaining a
state's position in the global hierarchy.
d) The focus should be on soft power and non-
military means of influence.
3. What is your view on cooperation among
states?
a) States cooperate when their interests align, but
it's a competitive world.
b) Cooperation is achievable through international
institutions and diplomacy.
c) Cooperation is limited, mainly among powerful
states, and often short-term.
d) Cooperation can be achieved through shared
values and international norms.
4. How do you see the influence of non-state
actors (e.g., NGOs, multinational corporations) in
global politics?
a) They have limited influence compared to states.
b) They can play a positive role in global problem-
solving and governance.
c) They are often tools used by states to further
their interests.
d) They can shape global politics through advocacy
and norm promotion.
5. What role do you believe international law plays
in the international system?
a) It is essential but often secondary to state
interests.
b) It is crucial for regulating state behavior and
resolving disputes.
c) Powerful states tend to ignore or manipulate
international law.
d) It can help create norms and foster cooperation
among states.
6. How do you view the concept of national
sovereignty?
a) It's a cornerstone of statehood and should be
upheld.
b) Sovereignty should be balanced with the need
for international cooperation.
c) Sovereignty can be sacrificed for the greater
good of the international community.
d) It should be flexible to accommodate global
challenges and norms.
7. What is your opinion on the root causes of
conflict in international relations?
a) Conflicts arise due to competition and power
struggles.
b) Conflicts can be mitigated through diplomacy
and international institutions.
c) Conflicts are inherent to the international
system, especially among great powers.
d) Conflicts can be reduced through norm diffusion
and cultural understanding.
 Scoring
More 'a' answers ➡ You align with Realism.

More ‘B' answers ➡ You align with Liberalism.

More ‘C' answers ➡ You align with Neorealism.

More ‘D' answers ➡ You align with Constructivism.

 Realism
• Realism sees the world as a competitive place where
countries look out for themselves.

• It believes that power and military strength are very

important in international relations.

• States often don't trust each other, and cooperation

is limited because each state wants to protect itself.
 Liberalism
• Liberalism is all about cooperation and diplomacy.

• It believes that international institutions (like the

United Nations) and international laws can help
countries work together.

• This theory focuses on the idea that peace and

prosperity can come from working together.
 Neorealism
• Neorealism is similar to Realism but emphasizes the
structure of the international system.

• It argues that states' behavior is largely shaped by the

distribution of power among them.

• Powerful states tend to dominate, and conflict can

arise when power shifts.
 Constructivism
• Constructivism is about the power of ideas and
beliefs in shaping international relations.

• It believes that norms, culture, and shared values are

essential in how countries interact.

• This theory says that change and cooperation can

happen when countries adopt new ideas and beliefs.
 Politics in a global age
• Politics traditionally focused on the state and its
government structure.
• It divided politics into domestic (within a state) and
international (between states) spheres.
• Domestic politics was orderly, while international politics
was anarchic due to the lack of a higher authority.
• Globalization has challenged this state-based paradigm
by increasing cross-border flows and making state
borders more porous.
• Some suggest dissolving the disciplinary divide between
political science and international relations.
 Politics in a global age
• Politics is now better understood as overlapping and
interconnected between global, regional, national, and
local levels.
• This expansion makes it challenging to study politics as a
whole.
• The domestic/international divide remains relevant, and
states continue to be significant actors.
• The book takes a holistic approach, emphasizing the
impact of spatial interdependence but primarily
examines politics from a domestic perspective.
Politics in a global age
What traditional divide in politics has been
challenged by globalization?
a) Economic and social
b) Domestic and international
c) Left and right
d) Urban and rural