POLS 2940 Chapter 6: Social Forces, States,and World Order - Cox summary
11 Jan 2019
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Social forces (society"s influence) on a state and the world order cannot be ignored as it is a crucial part of the existence of the supposed non-existent state/society configuration. Theories shouldn"t be based on theories, but on research and concepts. Individual interactions based on contracts and market transactions. Foreign policy tended to express the interests of the state. Still, state (not society) is central to ir. Gap = different state/society configurations, plurality of state type: unexplored topic. Social relations and social forces may be key. Undervaluing the states (it is not true that stronger states = core, and weaker states. Solve the problem from which it originated: be reflective of itself and other theories. Attempted development of critical approach: marxism, realism . Trying to understand institutions in their historical contexts. Nature of the state is to pursue national interest. Nature of state system favours balance of power. Social forces + forms of state + world orders.
