Government 1760 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Social Identity Theory, Devaluation

• School: Harvard University
• Department: Government
• Course: Government 1760
• Professor: Professor Johnston

Document Summary

Where does conflict come from in ir theory/ Balance of power: primary characteristic of environment created by interaction of states is a distribution of power that conditions the options that states have when they are facing each other. More specifically against powerful countries because they pose the bigger threat. Can do this by increasing own power or by diminishing power of other states. Structural theory: how the distribution of power constrains state options. States can be treated as if they are unitary rational actors. Anarchy (no over-arching authority governing relations among states) Structural balance of power theory (structural or neo-realism): uncertainty about survival and others" intentions generates fear. Most states under most conditions will balance against a state with power. Individual efforts by states to balance leads to security dilemmas. Creates spiraling conflict that increasingly threatens all involved. The system is characterized by arming, alliances, insecurity, and low levels of trust.