Theories of International Relations: Neorealism vs. Neoliberalism
Neorealism in International Relations
Application of a positivist mindset to International Relations (IR):
- Parsimonious: Focus only on a few variables. Development of few assumptions and elimination of all the others (e.g., states are assumed to be rational utility maximizers and to have few interests that are similar for all).
- Scientific: Based on observable data. Focus only on objects and variables that can be measured.
Neorealism is the attempt to develop a more rigorous theory of IR and come up
Read MoreRealism and Security: A Deep Dive into Classical and Neo-Realism
Realism and Security: A Deep Dive
Realism remains highly effective in explaining security-related issues. It presents two main varieties: classical realism and neo-realism.
Classical Realism
Classical realists assert that the survival of a state depends on its capacity to protect its population, institutions, or territory. Military capabilities are the main source of power, and can be used to pressure other states into taking actions that they would not have taken. They believe the pursuit of national
Read MoreGerman Politics: From Unification to Wilhelmine Era
German Politics Since Unification
The Social Democrats, led by Schröder and in government since 1998 in coalition with the Greens, began the year 2000 with a stable government and their long-time adversaries weakened. However, the unified Germany faced challenges, including attacks on immigrants and military involvement in conflict zones, leading to comparisons with Hitler’s Germany. The ruling coalition between the SPD and the Greens faced internal conflicts regarding social, environmental, and
Read MoreUnderstanding the European Commission: Structure and Role
The European Commission: An Introduction
1. What is the Commission?
The Commission (European Commission) fulfills the role of an executive administration for the Union and was given the sole right as the proposer of legislation under the original treaties. This remains the case and makes the Commission more powerful than simply a civil service bureaucracy carrying out the will of an elected government. It is not to be confused with a government itself; it is able to formulate policy within the parameters
Read MoreSpain’s 1854-1868 Political Turmoil: Revolution to Restoration
The Crisis of the Decade (1854-1868)
Moderate results stemming from a series of scandals led to the Senate confronting the government. The government reacted by dissolving the Senate. This triggered the ultra-conservative revolution of 1854. Initially, the revolution had a popular character, coinciding with a period of agrarian crisis. This popular revolt joined the pronouncement carried out by General O’Donnell, who faced troops loyal to the government in Vicálvaro, resulting in an indecisive battle.
Read MorePublic Sphere, Media Effects, and Global News Dynamics
The Public Sphere: Origins and Evolution
The origin of the public sphere traces back to the ‘enlightened’ bourgeois salons. It was significantly influenced by the capital-driven mass media. The public sphere sets the social conditions for a rational debate about public issues, conducted by individuals willing to let arguments, and not stations, determine decisions. It represents a communicative ideal: an inclusive, critical debate, free of constrictions, where contributors consider each other as
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