Chapter 18International Politics

Also known as global politics Politics conducted among states and not

intrastate

International Politics

The set of actors on the world stage has expanded and become more diverse

The interdependence of states has grown immensely

The intense rivalry between the former Soviet Union and the U.S. has dissipated

The World Since the Cold War and Communism

More open markets (since mid-1980s) creating more similarities in characteristics of different states

Late 1990s, a body of international law—International Criminal Court--began to develop (but remember there is no international police so it is only as effective as states want it to be)

The World Since the Cold War and Communism

A state’s military power determines its overall power on the world stage

Mass of population can translate into power Economic importance can influence role in

international politics Geography (protection of natural

boundaries, location of resources) influences Skilled leaderhip influences

Power and International Politics

The art or practice of conducting international relations, as in negotiating alliances, treaties, and agreements

Diplomacy

Often a smaller office to the state's main representation in a foreign country, nowadays usually an Embassy

Local office to represent a state in major cities

Handle small scale transactions (PR, handling visitor issues)

Consulates

The officials charged by their states to conduct high level politics with the state to which they are posted

Gather information about the state which they are posted

Ambassadors

A form of nonmilitary coercion often used by the U.S.

Withholding normal economic relations to punish a state

Economic Sanctions

Nonpeaceful way to conduct international relations

Causes of war complex 1. Nationalism2. Transitions3. Misperceptions of leaders

War

Use of violent acts against civilians in order to accomplish political goals

Terrorism likely used:1. Better tactics not available2. Object of attack can be portrayed as

“other”3. Object of attack not seem as legitimate4. Govt issues tough counterterrorism attacks5. Among democracies b/c responses usually

softer

Terrorism