This document discusses different approaches to the study of political theory, including traditional and modern approaches. It focuses on behavioralism as an important aspect of the modern resurgence of political theory. Behavioralism believes that social theories can be constructed based on observable facts, quantifiable data, and political behavior. The document also discusses traditional approaches, noting they are value-based and normative, emphasizing moral qualities rather than facts. Specific traditional approaches mentioned are the philosophical approach, which traces back to Greek philosophers, and aims to establish standards to evaluate political institutions.
Approaches to International Relations
Approach is a way of looking at and then explaining a particular phenomenon. The perspective may be broad enough to cover a vast area like the World as a whole or it may be very small, embracing an aspect of local, regional, national or international politics. Besides, it may cover within its fold every other thing related to the collection and selection of evidence followed by an investigation and analysis of a particular hypothesis for an academic purpose. In this way, an approach consists of a criterion of selection criteria employed in selecting the problems or questions to consider and in selecting the data to bring to bear. It consists of standards governing the inclusion and exclusion of questions and data.
An approach is distinguishable from a theory. An approach is closely related to a theory in view of the fact that it’s a very character determines the way of generalization, explanation and prediction. An approach is transformed into a theory if and when its function extends beyond the selection of problems and data about the subject under study. There are several distinct approaches to the study of International Relations, these include:
Traditional Approach
Scientific Approach
Behavioral Approach
Post Behaviouralist Approaches
Systems Approach
Traditional Approach
In view of the complex variables influencing behavior of states, the traditionalists focus on the observed behavior of governments. They explain observable government behavior on the basis of concepts like balance of power, national interest, diplomacy etc. Traditional realists try to understand and resolve the clashing of interests that inevitably leads to war. This is an approach to international relations that emphasizes the studying of such disciplines as diplomatic history, international law, and philosophy in an attempt to develop better insights.
Traditionalists tend to be skeptical of behaviouralist approaches that are confined to strict scientific standards that include formal hypothesis testing and, usually, the use of statistical analysis. Traditional theorists regard international relations as a sub-discipline of history and political science. There are historical, philosophical and legal variants to the traditional approach Continued ..........
1.Realism vs Liberalism’ (1919-1939) Content and context
2.Traditionalism vs Behaviouralism (1950s & 60s) methodological debate
3. Neorealism vs Neoliberalism (1970s, inter-paradigm)
4. Rationalism vs Reflectivism (1980s, positivism vs post-positivism)
This document discusses different approaches to comparative politics, including traditional and structural-functional approaches. It outlines four traditional approaches: the philosophical approach, which uses deductive reasoning; the historical approach, which studies historical context; the institutional approach, which compares government institutions; and the legal approach, which treats states as organizations for law. It then describes the structural-functional approach, which views political systems as institutions that interact within a dynamic relationship to other systems and require feedback mechanisms.
This document discusses the behavioral approach in political science. It began as a post-World War II protest movement against traditional approaches. Key exponents like Charles Merriam advocated studying political phenomena through observation and measurable data to make the field more scientific and value-free. The behavioral approach focuses on the political behaviors of individuals and groups within political systems. It aims to understand political events by analyzing observable human behavior rather than values or outcomes. However, critics argue that political science cannot be entirely value-free and human behavior is not static.
Behaviouralism emerged after World War 2 as a challenge to existing international relations theories. It takes a positivist and scientific approach, emphasizing observable data over subjective interpretations. Behaviouralism views human behaviour as shaped by external environmental factors rather than innate drives, and aims to discover laws that can predict international relations. It uses scientific methods like hypothesis testing and focuses on quantifiable and measurable variables.
This document discusses different perspectives on the concept of power in international relations. It begins by defining power as a state's ability to influence or control other states. It then outlines two main traditions for analyzing power: the national power approach, which equates power with material resources, and the relational power approach, which sees power as the ability to influence another's behavior. The document also discusses various theorists' perspectives on power, including Joseph Nye's concepts of hard, soft, and smart power, and rules for analyzing power put forth by William Wohlforth.
Almond, Almond’s Developmental Approach to Political SystemMahrukh Cheema
The document summarizes Gabriel Almond's structural functional approach to political science. It outlines Almond's view of a political system and the key concepts in his approach, including political structure, culture, and the functions of a system. Almond believed that political development occurs as systems differentiate structurally and cultures become more secular and rational. His approach provided a framework for comparing systems but was criticized for being ideologically conservative and not fully accounting for non-Western contexts.
Approaches to International Relations
Approach is a way of looking at and then explaining a particular phenomenon. The perspective may be broad enough to cover a vast area like the World as a whole or it may be very small, embracing an aspect of local, regional, national or international politics. Besides, it may cover within its fold every other thing related to the collection and selection of evidence followed by an investigation and analysis of a particular hypothesis for an academic purpose. In this way, an approach consists of a criterion of selection criteria employed in selecting the problems or questions to consider and in selecting the data to bring to bear. It consists of standards governing the inclusion and exclusion of questions and data.
An approach is distinguishable from a theory. An approach is closely related to a theory in view of the fact that it’s a very character determines the way of generalization, explanation and prediction. An approach is transformed into a theory if and when its function extends beyond the selection of problems and data about the subject under study. There are several distinct approaches to the study of International Relations, these include:
Traditional Approach
Scientific Approach
Behavioral Approach
Post Behaviouralist Approaches
Systems Approach
Traditional Approach
In view of the complex variables influencing behavior of states, the traditionalists focus on the observed behavior of governments. They explain observable government behavior on the basis of concepts like balance of power, national interest, diplomacy etc. Traditional realists try to understand and resolve the clashing of interests that inevitably leads to war. This is an approach to international relations that emphasizes the studying of such disciplines as diplomatic history, international law, and philosophy in an attempt to develop better insights.
Traditionalists tend to be skeptical of behaviouralist approaches that are confined to strict scientific standards that include formal hypothesis testing and, usually, the use of statistical analysis. Traditional theorists regard international relations as a sub-discipline of history and political science. There are historical, philosophical and legal variants to the traditional approach Continued ..........
1.Realism vs Liberalism’ (1919-1939) Content and context
2.Traditionalism vs Behaviouralism (1950s & 60s) methodological debate
3. Neorealism vs Neoliberalism (1970s, inter-paradigm)
4. Rationalism vs Reflectivism (1980s, positivism vs post-positivism)
This document discusses different approaches to comparative politics, including traditional and structural-functional approaches. It outlines four traditional approaches: the philosophical approach, which uses deductive reasoning; the historical approach, which studies historical context; the institutional approach, which compares government institutions; and the legal approach, which treats states as organizations for law. It then describes the structural-functional approach, which views political systems as institutions that interact within a dynamic relationship to other systems and require feedback mechanisms.
This document discusses the behavioral approach in political science. It began as a post-World War II protest movement against traditional approaches. Key exponents like Charles Merriam advocated studying political phenomena through observation and measurable data to make the field more scientific and value-free. The behavioral approach focuses on the political behaviors of individuals and groups within political systems. It aims to understand political events by analyzing observable human behavior rather than values or outcomes. However, critics argue that political science cannot be entirely value-free and human behavior is not static.
Behaviouralism emerged after World War 2 as a challenge to existing international relations theories. It takes a positivist and scientific approach, emphasizing observable data over subjective interpretations. Behaviouralism views human behaviour as shaped by external environmental factors rather than innate drives, and aims to discover laws that can predict international relations. It uses scientific methods like hypothesis testing and focuses on quantifiable and measurable variables.
This document discusses different perspectives on the concept of power in international relations. It begins by defining power as a state's ability to influence or control other states. It then outlines two main traditions for analyzing power: the national power approach, which equates power with material resources, and the relational power approach, which sees power as the ability to influence another's behavior. The document also discusses various theorists' perspectives on power, including Joseph Nye's concepts of hard, soft, and smart power, and rules for analyzing power put forth by William Wohlforth.
Almond, Almond’s Developmental Approach to Political SystemMahrukh Cheema
The document summarizes Gabriel Almond's structural functional approach to political science. It outlines Almond's view of a political system and the key concepts in his approach, including political structure, culture, and the functions of a system. Almond believed that political development occurs as systems differentiate structurally and cultures become more secular and rational. His approach provided a framework for comparing systems but was criticized for being ideologically conservative and not fully accounting for non-Western contexts.
This document discusses the relationship between political science and sociology. It notes that while political science focuses on political activities of the state and government, sociology also studies the state as a human institution. The two fields are closely intertwined, as political activities take place within a social context and influence society. They share topics of common interest like elections, public opinion, and social legislation. In examining cultural politics, contemporary political sociology considers what events mean to people and how social relations are organized.
The English school of International Relations ibrahimkoncak
The English School occupies a middle ground in international relations theory by synthesizing concepts from different theories without dichotomies. It examines international society through the lenses of international system, international society, and world society. International society exists when states recognize common interests and rules in their relations. The expansion of international society over time has included more states and addressed human rights. Debates continue around pluralism versus solidarism in enforcing human rights and intervention.
This document discusses theories of sovereignty, including:
- John Austin's theory of absolute sovereignty, which defines sovereignty as residing in a single determinate human authority who receives habitual obedience.
- Pluralist theories that reject the idea of absolute state sovereignty, arguing that the state is just one of many associations with claims to individuals' allegiance.
- The key differences between monist/absolute and pluralist conceptions, with pluralists emphasizing limits on state power and recognizing other social groups/institutions.
Political science behavioralism is the study of individual behavior regarding political scenarios and how people react. It focuses on regularities in human behavior, verifying behavior through techniques, discarding values in favor of studying facts, and systematizing political research from understanding individuals. David Easton discussed behavioralism's intellectual foundations and features such as regularities, verification, disregarding values, and systematization.
This document defines political culture and discusses theories of political culture in liberal democracies and authoritarian countries. It summarizes Almond and Verba's theory of civic culture, which identifies three types of political cultures (parochial, subject, participant) and argues a stable democracy requires a blending of these, especially a majority of participants. It also discusses theories of political trust, social capital, and post-materialism and how governments may respond to political culture.
Lecture no. 10 foreign policy, models of decision making, and domestic influ...Dildar Ali
Foreign policy is how a state interacts with other states and international actors. It is influenced by both internal factors like a country's geography, leadership, and public opinion, as well as external factors like the international system and other states. The foreign policy process involves decision making, which can follow rational, organizational, or bargaining models. Individual leaders and groups also influence decisions through psychological biases or pursuing their interests. A country's diplomats, interest groups, public, military, and legislature all shape its foreign policy choices.
This document outlines the syllabus for a course on political theory. It covers 5 units: the nature and current state of political theory; traditional and contemporary approaches to studying politics; political elites; political alienation; and postmodernism, feminism, multiculturalism and globalization. It also provides definitions and discussions of political theory, its significance and decline, and factors contributing to its recent resurgence, including the influence of behaviorism. Traditional approaches to studying politics are described as emphasizing values over facts.
Lucien w pie, definitions of Political development, Lucien Pie concept, Fund...Mahrukh Cheema
This document discusses 12 different views of political development:
1) Conceptualizing it in terms of economic growth and facilitating economic growth.
2) Linking it to industrialization and emulating the political systems of industrialized nations.
3) Equating it with political modernization and westernization.
4) Defining it as the organization of political life around a nation-state with nationalism.
5) Viewing it as institution-building and developing citizenship.
6) Associating it with increasing mass participation and mobilization.
7) Synonymizing it with building democracy.
8) Considering it the ability to maintain stability and facilitate orderly change.
9
Aristotle viewed human nature as comprised of both body and soul, with the rational soul being unique to humans. He believed the function and goal of both individuals and the state is happiness, which is achieved through living virtuously according to reason. Aristotle analyzed politics, ethics, and different forms of government, but some of his views on slavery and the roles of citizens are seen as problematic today.
This document provides an overview of post-colonialism as it relates to international relations. It discusses how post-colonial thinking emerged in the 1990s after the end of the Cold War to challenge mainstream theories. Post-colonialism takes a "bottom-up" approach focused on culture as seen through fiction, poetry and memoir from a post-colonial perspective. It also discusses decolonization after World War II, challenges to concepts of development, voices from former colonies, and influential post-colonial thinkers like Fanon who argued colonialism must be overcome mentally for independence to be meaningful.
Liberalism theory,Types of liberalism,and criticismTallat Satti
Liberalism is an international relations theory that focuses on cooperation between states. Key assumptions of liberalism include a positive view of human nature and belief in progress through cooperation. Classical liberalism thinkers like Grotius and Kant believed states could cooperate despite anarchy. Modern liberalism includes interdependence liberalism, which sees increased economic interdependence reducing conflict, and institutional liberalism, which argues international institutions help states cooperate by reducing fears and encouraging trust. Neoliberal institutionalism posits that institutions mediate cooperation among self-interested states.
Rousseau's "The Social Contract" proposes that legitimate political authority can only exist through a social contract where individuals give up some freedoms and form a community with shared sovereignty ("general will"). The sovereign power belongs collectively to the people, with government administering laws, and freedom exists through equality under self-given laws ratified by all. However, Rousseau notes that for a people to successfully institute principles of liberty, equality and fraternity through laws and institutions, they must already embody the social spirit these are meant to create.
Sovereignty means the supreme, absolute, and uncontrollable power by which any independent state is governed; supreme political authority; the supreme will; paramount control of the constitution and frame of government and its administration; the self-sufficient source of political power, from which all specific political powers are derived; the international independence of a state, combined with the right and power of regulating its internal affairs without foreign dictation; also a political society, or state, which is sovereign and independent.
The power to do everything in a state without accountability, to other countries, to execute and to apply them, to impose and collect taxes and levy contributions, to make war or peace, to form treaties of alliance or of commerce with foreign nations.
The concept of ‘sovereignty’ is one of the most complex, with many definitions, some are totally contradictory. Usually, sovereignty is defined in one of two ways. The first definition applies to supreme public power, which has the right and, in theory, the capacity to impose its authority in the last instance. The second definition refers to the holder of legitimate power, who is recognized to have authority.
When national sovereignty is discussed, the first definition applies, and it refers in particular to independence, understood as the freedom of a collective entity to act. When popular sovereignty is discussed, the second definition applies, and sovereignty is associated with power and legitimacy.1
There are various definition of sovereignty which has been defined by academicians and philosophers they are as follows:
In political science, sovereignty is usually defined as the most essential attribute of the state in the form of its complete self-sufficiency in the frames of a certain territory that is its supremacy in the domestic policy and independence in the foreign one.
John Bodin defines sovereignty “The supreme power over citizens and subjects, unrestrained by law.”
Grotius defines sovereignty as “The supreme political power vested in him whose acts are not subject to any other and whose will cannot be overridden”.
Also definition of Sovereignty by Soltau is “Final legal coercive power by the state”.
This document provides an introduction to key concepts in comparative politics and political science. It defines comparative politics as the study of domestic politics, institutions, and conflicts across different countries using empirical and comparative methods. Some key terms discussed include nation, state, nation-state, types of political regimes, factors that cause democratization, and differences between liberal democracies and illiberal democracies. It also distinguishes between procedural and substantive definitions of democracy.
International Relations: Constructivism pt1Timothy Lim
Constructivism rejects a purely materialist view of international relations that focuses only on how the distribution of power shapes state behavior. Instead, constructivists argue that social factors like shared ideas, norms, and perceptions play an equally important role in shaping the international system and state interests and identities. The international system is not a fixed structure defined by material forces, but rather is socially constructed and can change as shared understandings between states change. For example, the end of the Cold War showed how states can redefine their interests and identities, transforming anarchy from a culture of "enemies" to "friends" through altered social interactions and understandings between them.
This document summarizes key Marxist theories of international relations, including world system theory, Gramsci's work on hegemony, critical theory, new Marxism, and their perspectives on globalization. World system theory sees the global economy as a complex system with core and peripheral states. Gramsci explored how ruling classes maintain dominance through ideology. Critical theory examines emancipation, while new Marxism directly applies Marx's concepts to critique dependency theory and globalization from a Marxist lens. Overall, Marxist IR theories view globalization as another stage of capitalism that risks reducing workers' rights.
Individualism is a theory that recognizes the individual as the central part of society and aims to establish that the state should not interfere in individuals' lives so they can determine their own destiny freely. Key thinkers who shaped this view include Adam Smith, Jeremy Bentham, J.S. Mill, and Herbert Spencer. While individualism led to market expansion and lower prices, it also brought drawbacks like economic depressions and worsening living conditions in urban areas due to overpopulation. The conclusion is that pure individualism in government is not possible and no modern state entirely follows this philosophy of keeping the state limited to only police functions.
1. International politics is the study of political relations and power struggles between nations. It examines topics like national interests, foreign policy, and conflict resolution.
2. International politics focuses on the struggle for power between states, while international relations takes a broader view of all interstate interactions and relationships.
3. The scope of international politics is expanding over time to include new issues like the environment, human rights, and globalization that increasingly involve relations between nations. It analyzes how states interact and pursue their interests on the world stage.
Political science can be summarized as follows:
1) The document discusses the meaning, definition, nature, and scope of political science. It provides traditional and modern definitions of the field.
2) Political science is traditionally defined as the study of the state and government, but modern definitions view it as the study of all political activities and processes, including power dynamics and political behavior.
3) The scope of political science has expanded over time to include the study of individuals, political ideologies, international relations, and the relationship between states and individuals. It aims to understand political systems, institutions, and activities both empirically and normatively.
Unit 1 significance of western political thoughtYash Agarwal
Western political thought developed in historical context. Political philosophers responded to the political realities of their times and drew from history in developing their ideas. Understanding political thought requires examining the historical context, as a philosopher's ideas cannot be separated from the times and environment in which they were developed. Political thought obtains data from politics and aims to understand political concepts and issues at a general level, seeking permanent solutions to problems confronting politics.
This document discusses the relationship between political science and sociology. It notes that while political science focuses on political activities of the state and government, sociology also studies the state as a human institution. The two fields are closely intertwined, as political activities take place within a social context and influence society. They share topics of common interest like elections, public opinion, and social legislation. In examining cultural politics, contemporary political sociology considers what events mean to people and how social relations are organized.
The English school of International Relations ibrahimkoncak
The English School occupies a middle ground in international relations theory by synthesizing concepts from different theories without dichotomies. It examines international society through the lenses of international system, international society, and world society. International society exists when states recognize common interests and rules in their relations. The expansion of international society over time has included more states and addressed human rights. Debates continue around pluralism versus solidarism in enforcing human rights and intervention.
This document discusses theories of sovereignty, including:
- John Austin's theory of absolute sovereignty, which defines sovereignty as residing in a single determinate human authority who receives habitual obedience.
- Pluralist theories that reject the idea of absolute state sovereignty, arguing that the state is just one of many associations with claims to individuals' allegiance.
- The key differences between monist/absolute and pluralist conceptions, with pluralists emphasizing limits on state power and recognizing other social groups/institutions.
Political science behavioralism is the study of individual behavior regarding political scenarios and how people react. It focuses on regularities in human behavior, verifying behavior through techniques, discarding values in favor of studying facts, and systematizing political research from understanding individuals. David Easton discussed behavioralism's intellectual foundations and features such as regularities, verification, disregarding values, and systematization.
This document defines political culture and discusses theories of political culture in liberal democracies and authoritarian countries. It summarizes Almond and Verba's theory of civic culture, which identifies three types of political cultures (parochial, subject, participant) and argues a stable democracy requires a blending of these, especially a majority of participants. It also discusses theories of political trust, social capital, and post-materialism and how governments may respond to political culture.
Lecture no. 10 foreign policy, models of decision making, and domestic influ...Dildar Ali
Foreign policy is how a state interacts with other states and international actors. It is influenced by both internal factors like a country's geography, leadership, and public opinion, as well as external factors like the international system and other states. The foreign policy process involves decision making, which can follow rational, organizational, or bargaining models. Individual leaders and groups also influence decisions through psychological biases or pursuing their interests. A country's diplomats, interest groups, public, military, and legislature all shape its foreign policy choices.
This document outlines the syllabus for a course on political theory. It covers 5 units: the nature and current state of political theory; traditional and contemporary approaches to studying politics; political elites; political alienation; and postmodernism, feminism, multiculturalism and globalization. It also provides definitions and discussions of political theory, its significance and decline, and factors contributing to its recent resurgence, including the influence of behaviorism. Traditional approaches to studying politics are described as emphasizing values over facts.
Lucien w pie, definitions of Political development, Lucien Pie concept, Fund...Mahrukh Cheema
This document discusses 12 different views of political development:
1) Conceptualizing it in terms of economic growth and facilitating economic growth.
2) Linking it to industrialization and emulating the political systems of industrialized nations.
3) Equating it with political modernization and westernization.
4) Defining it as the organization of political life around a nation-state with nationalism.
5) Viewing it as institution-building and developing citizenship.
6) Associating it with increasing mass participation and mobilization.
7) Synonymizing it with building democracy.
8) Considering it the ability to maintain stability and facilitate orderly change.
9
Aristotle viewed human nature as comprised of both body and soul, with the rational soul being unique to humans. He believed the function and goal of both individuals and the state is happiness, which is achieved through living virtuously according to reason. Aristotle analyzed politics, ethics, and different forms of government, but some of his views on slavery and the roles of citizens are seen as problematic today.
This document provides an overview of post-colonialism as it relates to international relations. It discusses how post-colonial thinking emerged in the 1990s after the end of the Cold War to challenge mainstream theories. Post-colonialism takes a "bottom-up" approach focused on culture as seen through fiction, poetry and memoir from a post-colonial perspective. It also discusses decolonization after World War II, challenges to concepts of development, voices from former colonies, and influential post-colonial thinkers like Fanon who argued colonialism must be overcome mentally for independence to be meaningful.
Liberalism theory,Types of liberalism,and criticismTallat Satti
Liberalism is an international relations theory that focuses on cooperation between states. Key assumptions of liberalism include a positive view of human nature and belief in progress through cooperation. Classical liberalism thinkers like Grotius and Kant believed states could cooperate despite anarchy. Modern liberalism includes interdependence liberalism, which sees increased economic interdependence reducing conflict, and institutional liberalism, which argues international institutions help states cooperate by reducing fears and encouraging trust. Neoliberal institutionalism posits that institutions mediate cooperation among self-interested states.
Rousseau's "The Social Contract" proposes that legitimate political authority can only exist through a social contract where individuals give up some freedoms and form a community with shared sovereignty ("general will"). The sovereign power belongs collectively to the people, with government administering laws, and freedom exists through equality under self-given laws ratified by all. However, Rousseau notes that for a people to successfully institute principles of liberty, equality and fraternity through laws and institutions, they must already embody the social spirit these are meant to create.
Sovereignty means the supreme, absolute, and uncontrollable power by which any independent state is governed; supreme political authority; the supreme will; paramount control of the constitution and frame of government and its administration; the self-sufficient source of political power, from which all specific political powers are derived; the international independence of a state, combined with the right and power of regulating its internal affairs without foreign dictation; also a political society, or state, which is sovereign and independent.
The power to do everything in a state without accountability, to other countries, to execute and to apply them, to impose and collect taxes and levy contributions, to make war or peace, to form treaties of alliance or of commerce with foreign nations.
The concept of ‘sovereignty’ is one of the most complex, with many definitions, some are totally contradictory. Usually, sovereignty is defined in one of two ways. The first definition applies to supreme public power, which has the right and, in theory, the capacity to impose its authority in the last instance. The second definition refers to the holder of legitimate power, who is recognized to have authority.
When national sovereignty is discussed, the first definition applies, and it refers in particular to independence, understood as the freedom of a collective entity to act. When popular sovereignty is discussed, the second definition applies, and sovereignty is associated with power and legitimacy.1
There are various definition of sovereignty which has been defined by academicians and philosophers they are as follows:
In political science, sovereignty is usually defined as the most essential attribute of the state in the form of its complete self-sufficiency in the frames of a certain territory that is its supremacy in the domestic policy and independence in the foreign one.
John Bodin defines sovereignty “The supreme power over citizens and subjects, unrestrained by law.”
Grotius defines sovereignty as “The supreme political power vested in him whose acts are not subject to any other and whose will cannot be overridden”.
Also definition of Sovereignty by Soltau is “Final legal coercive power by the state”.
This document provides an introduction to key concepts in comparative politics and political science. It defines comparative politics as the study of domestic politics, institutions, and conflicts across different countries using empirical and comparative methods. Some key terms discussed include nation, state, nation-state, types of political regimes, factors that cause democratization, and differences between liberal democracies and illiberal democracies. It also distinguishes between procedural and substantive definitions of democracy.
International Relations: Constructivism pt1Timothy Lim
Constructivism rejects a purely materialist view of international relations that focuses only on how the distribution of power shapes state behavior. Instead, constructivists argue that social factors like shared ideas, norms, and perceptions play an equally important role in shaping the international system and state interests and identities. The international system is not a fixed structure defined by material forces, but rather is socially constructed and can change as shared understandings between states change. For example, the end of the Cold War showed how states can redefine their interests and identities, transforming anarchy from a culture of "enemies" to "friends" through altered social interactions and understandings between them.
This document summarizes key Marxist theories of international relations, including world system theory, Gramsci's work on hegemony, critical theory, new Marxism, and their perspectives on globalization. World system theory sees the global economy as a complex system with core and peripheral states. Gramsci explored how ruling classes maintain dominance through ideology. Critical theory examines emancipation, while new Marxism directly applies Marx's concepts to critique dependency theory and globalization from a Marxist lens. Overall, Marxist IR theories view globalization as another stage of capitalism that risks reducing workers' rights.
Individualism is a theory that recognizes the individual as the central part of society and aims to establish that the state should not interfere in individuals' lives so they can determine their own destiny freely. Key thinkers who shaped this view include Adam Smith, Jeremy Bentham, J.S. Mill, and Herbert Spencer. While individualism led to market expansion and lower prices, it also brought drawbacks like economic depressions and worsening living conditions in urban areas due to overpopulation. The conclusion is that pure individualism in government is not possible and no modern state entirely follows this philosophy of keeping the state limited to only police functions.
1. International politics is the study of political relations and power struggles between nations. It examines topics like national interests, foreign policy, and conflict resolution.
2. International politics focuses on the struggle for power between states, while international relations takes a broader view of all interstate interactions and relationships.
3. The scope of international politics is expanding over time to include new issues like the environment, human rights, and globalization that increasingly involve relations between nations. It analyzes how states interact and pursue their interests on the world stage.
Political science can be summarized as follows:
1) The document discusses the meaning, definition, nature, and scope of political science. It provides traditional and modern definitions of the field.
2) Political science is traditionally defined as the study of the state and government, but modern definitions view it as the study of all political activities and processes, including power dynamics and political behavior.
3) The scope of political science has expanded over time to include the study of individuals, political ideologies, international relations, and the relationship between states and individuals. It aims to understand political systems, institutions, and activities both empirically and normatively.
Unit 1 significance of western political thoughtYash Agarwal
Western political thought developed in historical context. Political philosophers responded to the political realities of their times and drew from history in developing their ideas. Understanding political thought requires examining the historical context, as a philosopher's ideas cannot be separated from the times and environment in which they were developed. Political thought obtains data from politics and aims to understand political concepts and issues at a general level, seeking permanent solutions to problems confronting politics.
This document discusses the meaning, nature, and significance of political theory. It defines political theory as the systematic study of political life and the state through both philosophical and empirical analysis. Political theory involves developing explanations for political phenomena, evaluating the moral purpose of the state, and prescribing how political systems can be improved. The key differences between political theory, political thought, political philosophy, and political science are also outlined. Overall, political theory aims to both understand and potentially change political realities through theoretical frameworks.
1. The document is a term paper discussing political science. It defines political science as the study of systems of government, political activity, and behavior.
2. The paper explains that political science is a social science that analyzes politics, which involves determining the distribution of power and resources.
3. The subject matters of political science are outlined as political theory, political philosophy, political institutions, political dynamics, public administration, international relations, and the relationship between states and individuals.
Traditional Approaches To Political ScienceLaura Torres
Traditional approaches to political science were widely used until World War II. They focused on studying the state and government, emphasizing political structure over political processes. There were several sub-approaches within traditional approaches, including philosophical, historical, and institutional approaches. Traditional approaches were largely normative and made little attempt to relate theory and research. They believed political science could not be scientific. Characteristics of traditional approaches included an emphasis on studying formal institutions over political processes and a focus on Western systems over non-Western ones.
Political science is the study of the state, government, and politics. It deals with analyzing political systems and political behavior. There is debate around whether political science is a science or an art. While some argue it lacks the certainty and predictability of natural sciences, others argue it uses the scientific method of formulating generalizations based on observed facts. Overall, political science can be considered both a science, in that it systematically studies political phenomena, and an art, in that its knowledge can be applied practically.
The document summarizes and reviews several articles about the history and nature of political theory. It discusses how political theory emerged as an academic discipline in the 19th century. It also examines different perspectives on how political philosophers should be viewed historically and discusses challenges in analyzing them. Additionally, it outlines characteristics of traditional and contemporary approaches to political theory, such as behavioralism, and analyzes strengths and limitations of various political frameworks.
The document summarizes and reviews several articles about the history and nature of political theory. It discusses how political theory emerged as an academic discipline in the 19th century. It also examines different perspectives on the value and purposes of political theory, how it has been influenced by philosophers and political realities. Additionally, it outlines characteristics of traditional and contemporary approaches to political theory, including differences between micro and macro levels theories as well as links to political economy theories. Finally, it identifies central problems in political theory resulting from disjunctions between classical and modern traditions.
The document summarizes and reviews several articles about the history and nature of political theory. It discusses how political theory emerged as an academic discipline in the 19th century. It also examines different perspectives on how political philosophers should be viewed historically and discusses challenges in analyzing them. Additionally, it outlines characteristics of traditional and contemporary approaches to political theory, such as behavioralism, and analyzes strengths and limitations of various political frameworks.
The document summarizes and reviews several articles about the history and nature of political theory. It discusses how political theory emerged as an academic discipline in the 19th century. It also examines different perspectives on how political philosophers should be viewed historically and discusses challenges in analyzing them. Additionally, it outlines characteristics of traditional and contemporary approaches to political theory, such as behavioralism, and analyzes strengths and limitations of various political frameworks.
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This document discusses the scope and interrelationships of political science. It defines political science as the systematic study of politics and the state. The scope of political science includes political theory, public law, and public administration. Public law encompasses constitutional law, administrative law, and international law. Political science is also related to and borrows methods from other disciplines like history, economics, geography, sociology, anthropology, psychology, philosophy, statistics, logic, and jurisprudence. The document emphasizes that political science employs scientific methods and a multidisciplinary approach to understand political phenomena.
David Easton's Concept of Decline of Political TheoryRima Doot
David Easton argued that political theory was in decline for several reasons:
1) Historicism - Theorists were too focused on history and past events rather than analyzing current issues and how to address problems. They lacked a positive or creative outlook.
2) Moral relativism - Theorists took a relativistic view and did not attempt to determine absolute truths. They accepted prevailing ideas without critique.
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- Political science can be defined as both a science and an art. It is the study of the state, government, and politics. There are arguments on both sides as to whether it is a science or an art.
- Traditionally, political science focused on the study of the state and government. However, its scope has expanded and it now studies all facets of power relations and human behavior with political implications.
- Its nature has also evolved over time as empirical studies now employ scientific tools like surveys and data analysis. But challenges remain due to the complexity of political phenomena and difficulties experimenting in the political realm.
This document provides an overview of different perspectives on defining politics. It discusses how politics can be viewed as both an arena, associated with a location like government, and as a process involving certain types of behavior. The traditional view defines politics as the art of government, referring to what concerns the state based on the original Greek meaning of politics relating to the city-state or polis. However, this offers a restricted view of politics that does not encompass its full scope and complexity. The document examines challenges in defining politics and different approaches to studying it as an academic discipline.
The document discusses traditional methods of political science that were prevalent until World War 2. These methods focused on studying the state and government through philosophical, historical, institutional, and legal lenses. The philosophical method, dating back to Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, takes a normative approach to understand the nature of political systems and ideals. The historical method emphasizes understanding political theories in their historical context by considering factors like the age and situation. Traditional methods primarily analyzed the organization of states and the principles behind political structures and activities.
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This document provides an overview of the nature and scope of political science. It begins by defining political science as the systematic study of politics and the state through observation and evidence-based analysis. It then discusses traditional views that considered political science an art rather than a science due to challenges like lack of experimentation. However, more modern approaches argue it can be considered a science if theories are empirically tested. The document also outlines the changing focus of political science to incorporate broader studies of power relations and human behavior beyond just institutions of government. It concludes by describing the scope of political science as encompassing the state, political institutions, and national and international problems.
This document provides an introduction and overview of political science. It defines political science as the study of the state, government, and politics. It discusses the origins of political science in ancient Greek thinkers like Plato and Aristotle. It outlines the objectives and importance of studying political science, distinguishing it from related fields like political philosophy, law, and constitutional law. It also covers early political philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, and Augustine and their key ideas. The overall document serves to introduce readers to the basic concepts, history, and purpose of political science as an academic discipline.
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James Buchanan developed public choice theory, which applies economic analysis to political decision making. It views political actors like voters, politicians, and bureaucrats as self-interested, rather than solely pursuing the public interest. Politicians seek re-election, voters have rational ignorance, and interest groups lobby politicians. Public choice theory analyzes how individual preferences aggregate into collective political decisions through mechanisms like voting.
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2. Syllabus
UNIT –II: Approaches to the Study of Politics: Traditional
Approaches – Contemporary Approaches – Behavioral
Approach;
3. Concept of Political Theory
Political theory is a set of specified relationships encompassing
political matters that focus and organize inquiry to describe,
explain, and predict political events and behaviours.
Political theory is considered as the basis and branch of
political science which attempts to arrive at generalizations,
inferences, or conclusions to be drawn from the data gathered
by other specialists, not only in political science, but
throughout the whole range of human knowledge and
experience.
4. From ancient Greece to the present, the history of political
theory has dealt with fundamental and perennial ideas of
Political Science.
Political theory reflects upon political phenomenon, processes
and institutions and on actual political behaviour by subjecting
it to philosophical or ethical criterion.
The most dominant political theories realise all three goals such
as describe, explain, and predict. The theories are the results of
thoughts and research of many scholars and exponents of
political science. Thinkers on the subject formulate definitions
of various political concepts and establish theories
5. David Held described that "Political theory is a
network of concepts and generalizations about
political life involving ideas, assumptions and
statements about the nature, purpose and key features
of government, state and society, and about the
political capabilities of human beings.
6. Significance
Political philosophy, also known as political theory, is the
study of topics such as politics, liberty, justice, property, rights,
law, and the enforcement of laws by authority: what they are, if
they are needed, what makes a government legitimate, what
rights and freedoms it should protect, what form it should take,
As mentioned earlier, the fundamental question facing
human beings has been ‘how to live together’. Politics is an
activity engaged with the management of the collective
affairs of society.
7. The significance of theory lies in evolving various doctrines
and approaches regarding the nature and purpose of the state,
the bases of political authority, vision of an ideal state, best
form of government, relations between the state and the
individual and basic issues such as rights, liberty, equality,
property, justice etc.
8. Contemporary states face a number of problems such as
poverty, over-population, corruption, racial and ethnic tensions,
environment pollution etc., conflicts among individuals, groups
as well as nations. The task of political theory is to study and
analyse more profoundly than others, the immediate and
potential problems of political life of the society and to supply
the practical politician with an alternative course of action, the
consequences of which have been fully thought of.
9. Decline of Political Theory
David Easton writes, “Political theory today is interested
primarily in the history of ideas”. This was the exact character
of political theory. Also it was inextricably associated with
notions of value and general principles. Easton could not
accept this position of political theory. He thought that value,
principles and history cannot be the sole determiners of
political theory.
According to David Easton the ever-increasing role of
historicism is a major cause of the decline of political theory. In
his words: “Political theory has been devoted to a form of
historical researches that has robbed it of its earlier,
constructive role”.
10. Domination of Moral Theory
For several centuries political science in general and political
theory in particular was dominated by the moral premises of
Western civilisation. The exponents of these moral premises
have constantly and vigorously preached that they are right and
no objection or criticism can be levelled against them.
This notion also crippled all sorts of research work. Students of
political theory took no interest to verify the various aspects of
political theory with the help of new facts and data. It was very
much difficult for them to challenge the prevailing notion about
political theory.
11. Ideological Reductionism:
The decline of political theory can be traced to “ideological
reductionism”. Before entering into the depth of the matter
ideology and reductionism ought to be clarified. “An ideology
is a more or less coherent set of ideas that provides a basis for
organised political action”. Simply stated, ideology is a set of
coherent ideas. Generally, ideology is related to politics.
Reductionism is the practice of analysing and describing a
complex phenomenon in terms of its simple or fundamental
constituents especially when it is said to provide a sufficient
explanation.
12. Contemporary Conditions:
Contemporary conditions of various parts of the globe have
contributed to the decline of political theory. Some of these
conditions are stated below:
Bureaucracy and ideology completely dominated the political
as well as ideological affairs of the state,
The academic world hardly got any opportunity to think and
express freely.
Political scientists, researchers and other academicians were
not in a position to pursue their academic works without any
outside restrictions.
13. Absence of Man of Vision:
Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, Marx etc.
traversed the lanes of political science, political theory,
philosophy, and political philosophy with a clear vision in their
mind and far-flung outlook. We may not agree with what they
propounded but they said something worthwhile.
But when the tradition and vision created by them came to an end
the political scientists lacked the vision and zeal which their
predecessors possessed and this lack of vision was to some extent
responsible for the declining condition of political theory.
Plato, Aristotle, Marx etc. followed this general principle. Plato
conceived of an ideal state, Aristotle thought of a polity which
will be free from the causes of schisms. Marx imagined of a
communist society. All these visions provided raw materials for
building up a structure of political theory.
14. Resurgence of Political Theory
Political Theory is not Dead:
The political theory during the last several decades has
declined. But the declining condition does not indicate that
political theory is dead.
The subject was restricted within the activities of these
organisations and institutions. Political theory revolved around
these traditional conceptions. This traditional outlook
considerably dwarfed the content and scope of political theory:
Particularly in the field of policy- making political theory had
no spectacular role to play. But the real scope of political
theory is much broader than the one envisaged by traditional
thinkers.
15. Commencement of Resurgence:
The post Second World War period—specifically the 1950s—
witnessed new directions in the development of political theory
and it is observed that the War served as a dividing line
between the old and the new concepts of political theory. A
large number of scholars from Europe migrated to America and
many of them began serious research work on political theory
and their interest did not lie in the study of political theory in
traditional way.
They arrived at the conclusion that the traditional method of
analysing political phenomena and theory was not adequate for
new reforms or rejuvenation of political theory. New methods
are to be devised. This tendency finally laid the foundation of a
new way of studying political theory.
16. Behaviouralism:
Behaviouralism constitutes a very important aspect of the
resurgence of political theory that took place at the beginning
of the fifties of the last century. A brief definition of
behaviouralism runs as follows. It is a belief that social theories
can be constructed on the basis of observable facts and
behaviour, quantifiable data and facts.
it does not deal with all sorts of behaviour of the individuals
but only with that behaviour which displays political character.
17. Approaches of political theory:
The study of political science and in the process of search for
political truth certain procedure must be followed. These
procedures are defined as approaches, methods, techniques and
strategies. Approaches to study political science are grouped as
traditional and modern approaches
Traditional approaches:
Traditional approaches are value based. These approaches put
emphasis on values more that facts. Advocates of this approaches
believe that the study of political science cannot and should not be
purely scientific. They stated that in social science such as facts
values are closely related with each other. In politics, emphasis
should not be on the facts but on the moral quality of political
event.
18. Characteristics of Traditional approaches:
Traditional approaches are largely normative and stresses on
the values of politics.
Emphasis is on the study of different political structures.
Traditional approaches made very little attempt to relate theory
and research.
These approaches believe that since facts and values are closely
interlinked, studies in Political Science can never be scientific.
19. Types of traditional approaches:
Philosophical Approach
This approach is considered as the oldest approach in the arena
of Political Science. The development of this approach can be
traced back to the times of the Greek philosophers like Plato
and Aristotle.
Leo Strauss was one of the main supporter of the philosophical
approach. He considered that “the philosophy is the quest for
wisdom and political philosophy is the attempt truly to know
about the nature of political things and the right or good
political order.
The aim of this approach is to evolve the standard of right and
wrong, for the purpose of critical evaluation of existing
institutions, laws and polices
20. This approach is based on the theoretical principle that the
values cannot be separated from the study of politics.
Therefore, its main concern is to judge what is good or bad in
any political society. It is mainly an ethical and normative
study of politics and, thus, idealistic. It addresses the problems
of the nature and functions of the state, citizenship, rights and
duties etc.
21. Historical Approach: Theorists who developed this
political approach focused on the historical factors like the age,
place and the situation in which it is evolved are taken into
consideration.
This approach is related to history and it emphasizes on the
study of history of every political reality to analyse any
situation.
Political thinkers such as Machiavelli, Sabine and Dunning
considered that politics and history are closely related and the
study of politics always should have a historical standpoint.
22. This approach strongly maintains the belief that the thinking or
the dogma of every political thinker is formed by the
surrounding environment. Furthermore, history provide details
of the past as well as it also links it with the present events.
History gives the chronological order of every political event
and thereby helps in future estimation of events also.
Therefore, without studying the past political events,
institutions and political environment it would be erroneous to
analyse the present political events.
23. Institutional Approach: This is traditional and
significant approach in studying Political Science. This
approach primarily deals with the formal features of
government and politics accentuates the study of the political
institutions and structures.
Therefore, the institutional approach is concerned with the
study of the formal structures like legislature, executive,
judiciary, political parties, and interest groups.
The supporters of this approach includes both ancient and
modern political philosophers. Among the ancient thinkers,
Aristotle had significant role in shaping this approach while the
modern thinkers include James Bryce, Bentley, Walter
Bagehot, Harold Laski contributed to develop this approach.
24. Legal Approach: This approach concerns that the state is the
fundamental organization for the formation and enforcement of
laws.
Therefore, this approach is concerned with the legal process,
legal bodies or institutions, justice and independence of
judiciary.
The supporters of this approach are Cicero, Jean Bodin,
Thomas Hobbes, Jeremy Bentham, John Austin, Dicey and Sir
Henry Maine.
These approaches were principled also as their concern went
beyond how and why political events happen to what ought to
happen.
In the later period, the modern approaches have made an
attempt to make the study of Political Science more scientific
and, therefore, emphasize pragmatism.
25. Behaviouralism is an approach in political science that
emerged in the 1930s in the United States.
It represented a sharp break from previous approaches in
emphasizing an objective, quantified approach to explain
and predict political behaviour.
It is associated with the rise of the behavioural sciences,
modeled after the natural sciences. Behaviouralism claims
it can explain political behaviour from an unbiased,
neutral point of view.
Behaviouralists seek to examine the behaviour, actions,
and acts of individuals – rather than the characteristics of
institutions such as legislatures, executives, and judiciaries
– and groups in different social settings and explain this
behavior as it relates to the political system.
26. Meaning of the term
David Easton was the first to differentiate
behaviouralism from behaviourism in the 1950s
(behaviourism is the term mostly associated with
psychology). In the early 1940s, behaviourism itself
was referred to as a behavioural science and later
referred to as behaviourism. However, Easton sought
to differentiate between the two disciplines:
27. Post Behavioural revolution
Post-behaviouralism is the next step or reform movement
of behavioural revolution. Like behaviouralism, it was
again propounded by David Easton in his presidential
address to the American Political Science Association in
1969.
It has two slogans ‘action’ and ‘relevance’. It calls on the
behavioural political scientists to study urgent and
emergent problems, attend to crises and challenges of the
contemporary society, and commit themselves to find out
proper solutions.
During behavioural heydays, they were neglecting, in the
name of developing a ‘pure science of polities’, their
responsibility towards society.
28. Easton has discussed three main sources for the
incoming of post-behavioural revolution:
(a) Dissatisfaction with the efforts to make Political Science
a natural science;
(b) Utmost desire to find out solutions to the crises and
problems of society; and
(c) A movement by a group of political scientists and an
intellectual tendency.
Post-behaviouralism accepted the main tenets of
behaviouralism but wanted to take Political Science
towards new directions – making it more responsible and
more utilitarian. unlike behaviouralism, it is not related to
any particular ideology or group. It included leftists,
rightists, conservatives, classicists, methodologists, etc.
However, it is a bit exaggeration to call it a ‘revolution’.
29. System Analysis
System analysis is part of the behaviouralist movement
in political science and as a reaction to traditional
approach.
David Easton was the first to think to analyzing
politics from the point of view of system analysis in his
work Political System (1953) .
In simple terms, Easton's behavioral approach to
politics, proposed that a political system could be seen
as a delimited (i.e. all political systems have precise
boundaries) and fluid (changing) system of steps in
decision making.
30. Step 1. changes in the social or physical environment
surrounding a political system produce "demands" and
"supports" for action or the status quo directed as "inputs"
towards the political system, through political behavior.
Step 2, these demands and supporting groups stimulate
competition in a political system, leading to decisions or
"outputs" directed at some aspect of the surrounding social or
physical environment.
Step 3, after a decision or output is made (e.g., a specific
policy), it interacts with its environment, and if it produces
change in the environment, there are "outcomes."
31. Step 4, when a new policy interacts with its environment,
outcomes may generate new demands or supports and groups
in support or against the policy ("feedback") or a new policy on
some related matter.
Step 5, feedback, leads back to Step 1, forming a never-ending
cycle.
If the system functions as described, then we have a "stable
political system". If the system breaks down, then we have a
"dysfunctional political system".
32. Structural Functional Analysis
Structural functionalism, in sociology and
other social sciences, a school of thought according to
which each of the institutions, relationships, roles, and
norms that together constitute a society serves a purpose,
and each is indispensable for the continued existence of
the others and of society as a whole.
Each structural element has a definite function or purpose.
In structural functionalism, social change is regarded as
an adaptive response to some tension within the social
system. When some part of an integrated social system
changes, a tension between this and other parts of the
system is created, which will be resolved by the adaptive
change of the other parts.
33. The origin of contemporary references to social
structure can be traced to the French social scientist Émile
Durkheim, who argued that parts of society are
interdependent and that this interdependency imposes
structure on the behaviour of institutions and their
members.
To Durkheim, the interrelations between the parts of
society contributed to social unity—an integrated system
with life characteristics of its own, exterior to individuals
yet driving their behaviour.
34. Communication Theory
Communication theory is a field of information
theory that studies the technical process of information.
Communication theory was proposed by S. F. Scudder in
the year 1980. It states that all living beings existing on
the planet communicate although the way of
communication is different.
Thus the universal law of communication theory says that
all living beings whether they are plants, animals, human
beings communicate through sound, speech, visible
changes, body movements, gestures or in the best possible
way to make the others aware of their thoughts, feelings,
problems, happiness or any other information.
35. Elements of communication
Source: "information source", which "produces a message or
sequence of messages to be communicated to the receiving
terminal."
Sender: the "transmitter", which "operates on the message in some
way to produce a signal suitable for transmission over the
channel." In Aristotle, this element is the "speaker" (orator).
Channel: the channel is "merely the medium used to transmit the
signal from transmitter to receiver."
Receiver: the receiver "performs the inverse operation of that done
by the transmitter, reconstructing the message from the signal."
Destination: For Shannon, the destination is "the person (or thing)
for whom the message is intended"
Message: The message is an information, communication,
or statement that is sent in a verbal, written, recorded, or visual form
to the recipient.
Feedback