Lecture 1: Introduction to the Study of
International Relations
Noel Anderson
POL209H5F
Department of Political Science
University of Toronto Mississauga
14 September 2021
Outline
1 What is International Relations?
2 What Does it Mean to Study IR as a Science?
3 Levels of Analysis
4 Introduction to Competing Theories
5 Overview of the Course
6 Looking Ahead to Next Week
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Outline
1 What is International Relations?
2 What Does it Mean to Study IR as a Science?
3 Levels of Analysis
4 Introduction to Competing Theories
5 Overview of the Course
6 Looking Ahead to Next Week
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
What is International Relations?
• An academic discipline that studies the actors, structures, and
processes that interact in the international system
• Seeks to understand how the people and states of the world get
along—and why they do not
• Examines some of the most pressing issues that affect human
behavior on the planet:
I War and peace
I The organization of the global economy
I The causes and consequences of global inequalities
I The advancement, and regression, of liberties and freedoms
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
What is International Relations?
A relatively young field:
• Earliest work in the aftermath of WWI
• Undertaken mostly by international lawyers at that time
I Focus was historical and philosophical
• Began to emerge as a social science in the 1930s and 1940s
• Wasn’t until 1970s that the discipline became explicitly
theoretical and empirical, embracing a scientific approach
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
What is International Relations?
• Today, the field is more rigorous than ever
• Increasingly sophisticated research designs and methodologies
• Improvements in datasets available for study & greater access
to archival documents, participants, etc.
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
What is International Relations?
• Field is organized into various subfields:
I International security, international political economy,
international institutions, etc.
• Interdisciplinary:
I Influences from history, law, economics, and especially political
science
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
What is International Relations?
• Pluralistic in method:
I Qualitative methods
I Quantitative methods
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
What is International Relations?
(Arreguı́n-Toft 2001, p. 108)
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
What is International Relations?
(Biddle, Friedman, and Shapiro 2012, p. 29)
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
What is International Relations?
(Simmons and Elkins 2004, p. 183)
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
What is International Relations?
(Fearon 1995, p. 387)
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
What is International Relations?
(Fearon 1995, p. 411)
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Outline
1 What is International Relations?
2 What Does it Mean to Study IR as a Science?
3 Levels of Analysis
4 Introduction to Competing Theories
5 Overview of the Course
6 Looking Ahead to Next Week
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
International Relations as a Science
The topics addressed in this class have immediate relevance to some
of today’s most important global issues...
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
International Relations as a Science
PA Images
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
International Relations as a Science
NYT
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
International Relations as a Science
Ed Jones/AFP/Getty Images
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
International Relations as a Science
Associated Press Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
International Relations as a Science
• But international relations as an academic discipline is not
“current affairs” per se (though it can and does inform our
understanding of current affairs)
• Rather, it is concerned with the rigorous application of
concepts, theories, and methods to the study of international
politics
• It aims to:
I describe
I explain
I predict
I prescribe
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
International Relations as a Science
A typical international relations book or journal article:
• Develops a theory to explain some outcome or puzzle in the
world
I Theory: A logically consistent set of statements that explains a
phenomenon of interest
• From that theory, testable hypotheses are derived
I Hypothesis: a testable proposition about how or why a
phenomenon of interest occurs
• The theory’s hypotheses are then tested using empirical data
collected from the real world
I Empirical data: information acquired by observation or
experimentation
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
International Relations as a Science
• In short: our goal is to apply the scientific method to the study
of world politics
• This is no easy feat: individuals, groups, and states are
extraordinarily complex phenomena
• Aspiration: to generate probabilistic claims about the factors
that increase or decrease the likelihood of some outcome
• Can use that knowledge to inform the policymaking process at
home and abroad
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Outline
1 What is International Relations?
2 What Does it Mean to Study IR as a Science?
3 Levels of Analysis
4 Introduction to Competing Theories
5 Overview of the Course
6 Looking Ahead to Next Week
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Levels of Analysis
• The analytic level from which different causes of international
outcomes emerge
• We can distinguish between three broad levels: the
international system level; the state level; the individual level
• See the Singer (1961) reading for a detailed discussion of
international vs. state (“national”) level
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Levels of Analysis
• Systemic level:
I Examines overall global patterns of behavior among different
actors and the level of interdependence among them
I Concerned with: overall distribution of military capabilities,
economic resources, etc. in world politics
I Pros: comprehensive—the broadest perspective; provides lots of
generalizability
I Cons: Can exaggerate the impact of the system on actors;
discounts the differences among actors (i.e. states as “billiard
balls”)
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Levels of Analysis
• State level:
I Examines the conditions and processes within states that affect
foreign policy choices
I Concerned with: regime type, economic system, cultural values,
interest groups, etc.
I Pros: provides a picture of greater depth, detail, and intensity;
allows for significant differentiation among actors in the system
I Cons: can overlook the international factors that constrain state
behavior, regardless of their characteristics; can exaggerate the
importance of differences between states
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Levels of Analysis
• Individual level:
I Examines differences in individual leaders (or the immediate
circle of decision makers) that affect foreign policy choices
I Concerned with: characteristics of human decision making,
perception, cognitive biases, human desires, leadership style, etc.
I Pros: again, greater detail and richness of explanation; takes
our explanation down to the level of the individuals that make
up the state
I Cons: detail often comes at the cost of generalizability; can
overlook the effect of external influences that are critical to
human decision-making processes
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Levels of Analysis Example: US Invasion of Iraq, 2003
Associated Press
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Levels of Analysis
Is one better than the others?
• Depends on the question you are asking
• Explanations from different levels need not exclude each other
• Key point: must be aware of this preliminary conceptual issue
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Levels of Analysis
Why does this matter?
• Helps us with different aspects of explanation and
understanding
• Using different levels of analysis allows us to clarify what kinds
of questions we want to ask and what kinds of questions might
be answered most profitably from different perspectives
• Different emphasis on importance of agency vs. structure in
international affairs
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Agency and Structures
• Agency:
I Refers to the idea that human beings and the organizations they
inhabit are purposeful actors whose actions produce, reproduce,
and/or transform the society in which they live
• Structure:
I A set of conditions that influence or constrain the choices and
opportunities available to an actor
I Act as “selectors”—they select by rewarding some behaviors
and punishing others
I Limit actors and point them in ways that tend toward a
common set of outcomes, even though actors vary
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Outline
1 What is International Relations?
2 What Does it Mean to Study IR as a Science?
3 Levels of Analysis
4 Introduction to Competing Theories
5 Overview of the Course
6 Looking Ahead to Next Week
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Introduction to Competing Theories
• Theory: A logically consistent set of statements that explains a
phenomenon of interest
• Theories are abstractions, simplifications of reality
• We use theory to simplify and explain complex phenomena,
predict future patterns and trends
• Everyone has a theory in their head—whether they know it or
not
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Introduction to Competing Theories
• In this class, we will explore general approaches to international
relations (broad theoretical perspectives or paradigms), as well
as specific theories of particular outcomes
• First few weeks: Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism,
Rationalist Approaches
• These general approaches provide different lenses through
which to interpret and understand international politics
• See the Snyder (2004) reading for a discussion
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Introduction to Competing Theories
• Theories matter beyond the classroom:
I Policymakers and commentators often invoke elements of them
I They inform public intellectuals and commentators who
translate academic work
I They provide different sets of tools that help us understand
complicated issues in our everyday life
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Introduction to Competing Theories
Questions to keep in mind as we examine IR theories:
• What is the central question that the theory seeks to answer?
• What is being explained? (dependent variable)
• What does the explaining? (independent variable[s])
• What are the theory’s causal mechanisms? (i.e. what connects
the independent and dependent variables?)
• What are the assumptions of the theory?
• What are the theory’s hypotheses?
• On what level of analysis does the theory operate?
• Is the theory falsifiable? How would you know if it was wrong?
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Outline
1 What is International Relations?
2 What Does it Mean to Study IR as a Science?
3 Levels of Analysis
4 Introduction to Competing Theories
5 Overview of the Course
6 Looking Ahead to Next Week
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
How is this going to work, exactly?
1 Lectures: Asynchronous and online via Quercus; recorded
video lectures posted at the start of each week
2 Drop-in discussions: Synchronous and online via Zoom
I LEC9101: Tuesdays, 11am-12pm
I LEC9201: Tuesdays, 5pm-6pm
3 Office hours: Synchronous and online via Zoom
I LEC9101: Tuesdays, 12pm-1pm
I LEC9201: Tuesdays, 6pm-7pm
I Weekly sign-ups via the course Quercus calendar
4 Tutorials: Synchronous and online via Zoom
I Information on Quercus home page
I Start in Week 2 (Sept. 21 & 23)
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Overview of the Course
This course is organized into two major parts:
1 Theoretical Foundations
I Introduction to the Study of International Relations
I Realism, Anarchy, and the Distribution of Power
I Liberalism, Domestic Politics, and Institutions
I Constructivism, Ideas, and Identities
I Rationalist Approaches and Strategic Interaction
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Overview of the Course
2 War and Peace
I Deterrence and Security Dilemmas
I Bargaining and War
I The Domestic Politics of War and Peace
I Institutions of War and Peace
I Civil War and Counterinsurgency
I Third-Party Intervention
I A Brief Course Review with Applications to Future Challenges
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Assignments and Assessment
Students will be assessed on four criteria:
• Policy brief (5-pager, 25%)
• Position paper (5-pager, 25%)
• Take home final exam (35%)
• Tutorial engagement and discussion (15%), broken down as
follows:
I Attendance (5%)
I Participation (5%)
I Preparation (5%)
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
How to Succeed
The question on everyone’s mind: what is needed to succeed in
this course?
A simple answer: show up and do the work
1 Watch lectures and attend tutorials every week
2 Stay on top of course readings
3 Start assignments early and submit on time
There are no shortcuts, but there are also no tricks. It really is that
simple.
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Course Policies
Missed term work:
• Department policy: late assignments will be subject to a late
penalty of 5% per day (including weekends); assignments
submitted five calendar days beyond the due date will be
assigned a grade of zero
• Extensions on assignments will not be granted, excepting only
extraordinary personal circumstances
• If you find yourself in such circumstances, you must follow the
protocol detailed in the syllabus:
1 Declare your absence via ACORN
2 Formally apply for an extension by sending a written request via
email to me (email address on syllabus)
3 If you are granted an extension, it is final and is non-negotiable
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Course Policies
Regrade policy:
• If you believe there was an error in grading an assignment or
test, you may submit via email a maximum one-page,
double-spaced explanation to the TA that graded it detailing
why you believe there was an error
• You must be as specific as possible, with reference to the
assignment and/or comments provided by the TA
• If your TA disagrees with your complaint, they will inform me.
I will then randomly select a different TA to regrade the
assignment in full
• Be aware: (1) your entire assignment will be re-graded (not
just a particular section); and (2) your overall mark is subject
to go up, stay the same, or go down
• You must submit regrade requests no later than two weeks
after your assignment is returned
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Course Policies
Slides and lecture videos:
• I will post lecture videos and slides at the start of each week
• These resources will not disappear over the duration of the
course (including during the exam period)
• In return, I ask that you respect my intellectual property (these
lectures take a lot of time and effort to prepare!)
• Course materials (lecture videos, slides, etc.) are covered by
the Copyright Act, RSC 1985, c C-42. These materials cannot
be shared outside of the class or “published” in any way.
Posting recordings or slides to other websites without my
permission will constitute copyright infringement
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Course Policies
Tutorials:
• Will begin on Week 2 (September 21/23)
• You must attend the tutorial you are registered in—there
are no exceptions
I Critical to keep administrative side of course linked to tutorial
attendance, participation, paper grading, etc.
I Maintain fairness and burden sharing for TAs and for students
• Please note: I do not have control over enrollment in tutorial
sections—I cannot add you or remove you from a particular
tutorial. These changes must be implemented via ACORN
and/or by the registrar’s office
• Tutorial sections cannot be oversubscribed
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Course Policies
Writing resources:
• Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the
University of Toronto’s excellent writing resources and seminars
provided by the Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre
• See: http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/asc/
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Course Policies
Plagiarism:
• Academic integrity is at the heart of U of T
• Plagiarism is a serious academic offense and will be treated
accordingly
• Code of Behavior on Academic Matters states that it is the
students’ responsibility to know what constitutes an academic
offense
• Note: I am required by the University to report offenses—if I
fail to report, my job is at risk
• See “A Warning About Plagiarism” leaflet at end of syllabus
• http://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/using-sources/how-not-to-
plagiarize/
• We will be using Ouriginal to deter and detect plagiarism
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Course Policies
Communication, email, and office hours:
• Given the size of this class, communication via email is
extremely inefficient and time consuming
• Questions?
1 Check syllabus
2 Ask questions during drop-in discussion sessions, tutorials, or
during office hours
3 If email is strictly required, all correspondence must go through
your TA; if they cannot address your concern, they will forward
your message to me
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Course Policies
Readings:
• No need to purchase any books or materials for this class
• Everything linked on Quercus: https://q.utoronto.ca/
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Course Policies
Accessibility services:
• Students with diverse learning styles and needs are welcome in
this course
• If you have a disability/health consideration that may require
accommodations, please contact the AccessAbility Resource
Centre today to get registered
• Contact: [email protected]
• Accommodations must be arranged *before* assignment
deadlines
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Join Our Volunteer Note-Taker Team
• UTM Accessibility Services is looking for a volunteer note-taker
to take notes on behalf of students with disabilities registered
in this class
• Instructions are posted on the class Quercus site (see
announcements page)
• As an incentive, note-takers are eligible to receive a
Co-Curricular Record notation and a reference letter
• Questions? Email
[email protected]What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Outline
1 What is International Relations?
2 What Does it Mean to Study IR as a Science?
3 Levels of Analysis
4 Introduction to Competing Theories
5 Overview of the Course
6 Looking Ahead to Next Week
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
Next week:
• Topic: Realism, Anarchy, and the Distribution of Power
• Readings:
I Donnelly, Jack. 2000. Realism and International Relations (New
York, NY: Cambridge University Press), chapter 1: 6-42.
I Waltz, Kenneth. 1979. Theory of International Politics
(Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company), chapter
6: 102-128.
• Tutorials:
I No tutorials this week
I Will begin on Week 2 (Sept. 21 & 23)
I But I will hold drop-in discussions this Tuesday, 11am-12pm &
5pm-6pm. Come say hello!
What is IR? IR as a Science Levels of Analysis Competing Theories Overview of the Course Looking Ahead
