IB Global Politics Topic Application of Theory to Political Issues Revision Notes (SL/HL)

IB Global Politics Topic Application of Theory to Political Issues Revision Notes (SL/HL) | RevisionDojo

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Application of Theory to Political Issues

Political theory is a framework that helps us analyze, interpret, and understand political phenomena.
It provides lenses through which we can view complex issues, offering explanations and predictions about how the world works.

Note

Political theories are not one-size fits all solutions.
They offer different perspectives, each with its own strengths and limitations.

Key Political Theories in Global Politics

Realism

Realism treats the international system as anarchic and sees states as self-interested actors that compete for power and security.

Case study

Example

China’s Actions in the South China Sea

What happened:
- China has built artificial islands, deployed military infrastructure, and asserted territorial claims over most of the South China Sea, despite overlapping claims from countries like Vietnam and the Philippines.
Structural realist analysis:
- In an anarchic international system, China cannot rely on other states or international institutions to guarantee its security.
- By militarizing the South China Sea, China is asserting control over vital trade routes and creating a buffer zone against potential U.S. or regional threats.
- This pursuit of regional hegemony is a rational strategy to increase its security and influence, especially as the U.S. maintains a strong military presence in Asia.
Outcome:
- China’s assertiveness leads to balancing behaviour from other states (e.g. U.S. freedom of navigation operations, AUKUS, Quad alliance), illustrating the security dilemma.

Liberalism

Liberalism holds that states and non-state actors can cooperate through institutions and norms, and that economic interdependence reduces the likelihood of conflict.

Case study

Example

The EU as a Liberal Institution

Cooperation: Built to prevent war through economic and political integration.
Interdependence: Shared markets and currency reduce conflict.
Democracy & Rights: Promotes liberal values through membership rules and legal accountability.
Institutions: Uses law and negotiation to manage disputes, not force.
Soft Power: Spreads influence via trade, diplomacy, and aid, not military might.

Constructivism

Constructivism argues that state behaviour is shaped by socially constructed norms, ideas, and identities rather than by material factors alone, so change is possible as those norms evolve.

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Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris.
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Application of Theory to Political Issues

Political theory is a framework that helps us analyze, interpret, and understand political phenomena.
It provides lenses through which we can view complex issues, offering explanations and predictions about how the world works.

Note

Political theories are not one-size fits all solutions.
They offer different perspectives, each with its own strengths and limitations.

Key Political Theories in Global Politics

Realism

Realism treats the international system as anarchic and sees states as self-interested actors that compete for power and security.

Case study

Example

China’s Actions in the South China Sea

What happened:
- China has built artificial islands, deployed military infrastructure, and asserted territorial claims over most of the South China Sea, despite overlapping claims from countries like Vietnam and the Philippines.
Structural realist analysis:
- In an anarchic international system, China cannot rely on other states or international institutions to guarantee its security.
- By militarizing the South China Sea, China is asserting control over vital trade routes and creating a buffer zone against potential U.S. or regional threats.
- This pursuit of regional hegemony is a rational strategy to increase its security and influence, especially as the U.S. maintains a strong military presence in Asia.
Outcome:
- China’s assertiveness leads to balancing behaviour from other states (e.g. U.S. freedom of navigation operations, AUKUS, Quad alliance), illustrating the security dilemma.

Liberalism

Liberalism holds that states and non-state actors can cooperate through institutions and norms, and that economic interdependence reduces the likelihood of conflict.

Case study

Example

The EU as a Liberal Institution

Cooperation: Built to prevent war through economic and political integration.
Interdependence: Shared markets and currency reduce conflict.
Democracy & Rights: Promotes liberal values through membership rules and legal accountability.
Institutions: Uses law and negotiation to manage disputes, not force.
Soft Power: Spreads influence via trade, diplomacy, and aid, not military might.

Constructivism

Constructivism argues that state behaviour is shaped by socially constructed norms, ideas, and identities rather than by material factors alone, so change is possible as those norms evolve.

Definition

Paywall

(on a website) an arrangement whereby access is restricted to users who have paid to subscribe to the site.

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Note

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam quis nostrud exercitation.

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Tip

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris.
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum.

Core: Understanding power and global politics6 subtopics

Rights and Justice4 subtopics

Development and Sustainability4 subtopics

Peace and Conflict4 subtopics

Assessment Guides4 subtopics

IA Engagement Project1 subtopic

IB Global Politics Application of Theory to Political Issues Notes

Core: Understanding power and global politics6 subtopics

Rights and Justice4 subtopics

Development and Sustainability4 subtopics

Peace and Conflict4 subtopics

Assessment Guides4 subtopics

IA Engagement Project1 subtopic

Application of Theory to Political Issues

Key Political Theories in Global Politics

Realism

China’s Actions in the South China Sea

Liberalism

The EU as a Liberal Institution

Constructivism

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account

Application of Theory to Political Issues

Key Political Theories in Global Politics

Realism

China’s Actions in the South China Sea

Liberalism

The EU as a Liberal Institution

Constructivism

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account