International relations theory
This personal summary is based on the lectures and PowerPoint presentation of the ‘International
relations theory’ course, taught by Giulia Tercovich. As well as the handbook ‘Introduction to
International Relations: Theories and Approaches’, written by: Georg Sørensen et al. Copyright on
original texts, images, and diagrams rests with the respective authors and rights holders.
Table of contents
1. Lesson 1: Introduction and Frameworks
1) Introduction
2) Learning objectives
3) Study material
4) Assignments
2. Lesson 2: What is theory? (only PowerPoint)
1) Learning objectives
2) What is a theory?
3) Ontology and epistemology
4) Level of analysis
5) Exercise – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
3. Lesson 3: Realism
1) Why did realism develop as a dominant approach?
2) Core assumptions
3) Key realist concepts
4) Different types of realism
5) Exercise – what will they tell Donald Trump about Venezuela?
4. Lesson 4: Liberalism
1) Why did liberalism emerge as a response to realist pessimism?
2) Liberalism’s core assumptions
3) Key concepts of liberalism
4) Different types/strands of liberalism
5) Practical exercise: US and Iran, why did a peaceful resolution fail?
5. Lesson 5: International society (English School)
1) English school as an alternative to the realism-liberalism debate?
2) Evolution of the English School
3) Core concepts
4) Critique to the English School
5) Exercise – order vs justice, supporting the US intervention in Iran?
6. Lesson 6: Reading week
7. Lesson 7: International Political Economy (IPE)
1) Context: why IPE?
2) Core concepts
3) The Three approaches
4) Practical exercise: The Strait of Hormuz
8. Lesson 8: Constructivism
1) What is constructivism?
, 2) Core concepts
3) Types of constructivism (2)
4) Critiques of constructivism
5) Practical exercise
9. Lesson 9: Post-positivist
1) Definition
2) Core concepts
3) The three Post-positivist approaches
4) Critiques of Post-positivist approaches
5) Applying Post-positivism to contemporary issues
6) Practical exercise: securitization analysis
10. Lesson 10: Role Theory – Guest lecture by Mahima Duggal
1) What is Role Theory?
2) Applying role theory
3) Simulation Game: "Who Am I?"
11. Les 11: Guest Lecture & Practicum on Alliance Politics with Domenico Farinelli
1) What is realism? (don’t take definitions from here, just see before!)
2) Are all states equal?
3) Key concepts in Alliance Politics
4) The security dilemma in alliance politics
5) Practical application: Europe and the risk of abandonment under Trump
6) Research method: process tracing
12. Lesson 12: Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA)
1) Definition: what is Foreign Policy Analysis?
2) Core concepts (5)
3) Approaches
4) Critiques
5) Case study: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
2
,Lesson 1: Introduction and Frameworks
1. Introduction
Theories are like glasses…
2. Learning objectives
= this course offers students a critical and in-depth exploration of theories of IR, with references to
current case studies structured around four key objectives:
1) Deepening understanding of core concepts
2) Engaging with contemporary international issues
3) Strengthening analytical skills
4) Promoting ongoing engagement with International affairs
3. Study material
Handbook: Introduction to International Relations, Theories and Approaches, Sørensen - Møller –
Jackson 8th or 9th edition
+ slides and additional texts, journals, podcasts all available online
4. Assignments
100% final written exam
3
,Lesson 2: What is theory? (only PowerPoint)
1. Learning objectives
Understand what theory is and why it matters
Distinguish ontology and epistemology
Understand levels of analysis
Apply levels of analysis to a contemporary case
2. What is a theory?
Definition: study of relationships + interactions between countries including activities, policies of
national governments, international organizations (IOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and
multinational corporations (MNCs)
So clearly an interdisciplinary inquiry + only became a proper academic discipline in the early
twentieth century (already aspects in time of ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu)
Why not just describe the reality or just observe facts, just like journalists etc?
= theory simplifies complexity and structures explanation
Main reason to study IR is the fact that the entire population of world is divided into separate
political communities or independent countries, nation-states affect way people think/live
In highly successful nation-states most of population identify (quite strongly) with the country
of which they are citizens
What is a theory? – four main things:
1. Identifies key actors
2. Makes assumptions about behaviour
3. Specifies casual mechanisms
4. Generates expectations about outcomes
Example?
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 = statement, description
States seek to maximise power under conditions of anarchy = a theoretical claim
Democracies rarely fight each other = opinion
difference is very important
SO, what’s the difference between description and theory?
Description = answers the question “what happened?”
Theory = answers “why it happened” and in “what condition it would happen again”
A strong theory does not simply list variables it establishes a chain of causality
Example – a realist causal chain: anarchy insecurity competition for power alliance
formation
Example – liberal causal chain: economic interdependence increased costs of war
incentives for cooperation
4
,3. Ontology and epistemology
Ontology = answer the question – what exists? states, individuals, ideas and norms, material
power only?
Epistemology = how can we know something about international politics?
Positivist: testable hypotheses, general patterns
Interpretive: meaning, discourse, context
Different theories make different knowledge claims
4. Level of analysis
Explanation and application to the situation in Taiwan:
1) Individual level: foreign policy is influences by leaders psychology, beliefs and experiences
(decision makers) – beliefs and perceptions, cognitive limitations (bounded rationality), personal
experiences, biases and misperceptions
Problem: leaders interpret threats subjectively – decisions shaped by incompl. info, beliefs…
2) State/domestic level: foreign policy depends on what happens inside the state – political
institutions, economic structures, regime types, societal pressure…
Realism: state-centred – focus on government capacity, can the state mobilize national
resources? (ex: strong country, weak government = limited foreign policy)
Liberalism: foreign policy reflects preferences of domestic groups – with actors such as
interest groups, citizen, economic actors (ex democracies more peaceful rel. with other democ.)
3) Systemic level: structure of international system – distribution of power (ex: bipolar, multipolar,
hegemonic); anarchy; interdependence and institutions; shared ideas and norms
Realism: states are constrained by anarchy compete for power and security (ex: balancing,
rivalry, great-power competition)
Liberalism: cooperation is possible trough institutions and economic interdependence
Constructivism: state interests depend on shared ideas and identities (not fixed)
= system-level theories explain broad patterns, but struggle to explain specific policies
Small states are strongly constrained by the system
Great powers have more freedom (especially hegemonic states)
Applied to the case of Taiwan:
Individual level:
How does Xi Jinping look at the situation in Taiwan?: shaped by nationalism, historical
narratives, concerns about regime legitimacy
How do US leaders interpret the situation?: influenced by credibility concerns, deterrence
logic, and domestic political pressures
State/domestic level:
China: government wants Taiwan, linked to national pride and legitimacy; + leaders must
avoid looking weak, pressure to act tough
5
, Taiwan: democracy, so elections matter; people have different identities (Taiwanese vs
Chinese) that affects policy
United States: politicians respond to voters and Congress + important industries (like chips)
influence decisions
Systemic level:
Embedded in great-power competition between the United States and China US seeks to
contain or balance China’s rise; China seeks to increase its regional dominance
Strategic importance of Taiwan:
Geopolitical: key position in the Indo-Pacific
Economic: global leader in semiconductor production (advanced chips via TSMC)
US supports Taiwan to maintain the regional balance of power; China views Taiwan as a core
national interest
if China were to control Taiwan, it could: shift the regional balance of power in Asia, gain leverage
over global semiconductor supply chains, challenge US dominance
5. Exercise – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Individual level:
Cause: invasion is largely driven by Vladimir Putin’s personal beliefs and perceptions
Ukraine is historically a part of Russia + NATO’s expansion is a threat
Key factors: Nationalism, threat perception, overconfidence
Policy: increase costs (sanctions, military support, deterrence) change Putin’s cost–benefit
calculation, changings beliefs is a bit too hard
State level:
Cause: Russia’s regime seeks legitimacy and control
Key factors: authoritarian system, nationalism, control over media and public discourse, weak
domestic constraints
Policy: increase internal pressure on the regime (sanctions affecting economy and elite,
support for civil society + information flows, long-term weakening of regime)
Systemic level:
Cause: great-power competition and power shifts in anarchic system
Key factors: power shift and perceived decline of US dominance, NATO expansion, Ukraine
outside NATO, strategic and geopolitical importance of Ukraine
Policy: restoring the balance of power and deterrence (support Ukraine, reinforce and
strengthen NATO, preventing further Russia expansion)
6
This personal summary is based on the lectures and PowerPoint presentation of the ‘International
relations theory’ course, taught by Giulia Tercovich. As well as the handbook ‘Introduction to
International Relations: Theories and Approaches’, written by: Georg Sørensen et al. Copyright on
original texts, images, and diagrams rests with the respective authors and rights holders.
Table of contents
1. Lesson 1: Introduction and Frameworks
1) Introduction
2) Learning objectives
3) Study material
4) Assignments
2. Lesson 2: What is theory? (only PowerPoint)
1) Learning objectives
2) What is a theory?
3) Ontology and epistemology
4) Level of analysis
5) Exercise – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
3. Lesson 3: Realism
1) Why did realism develop as a dominant approach?
2) Core assumptions
3) Key realist concepts
4) Different types of realism
5) Exercise – what will they tell Donald Trump about Venezuela?
4. Lesson 4: Liberalism
1) Why did liberalism emerge as a response to realist pessimism?
2) Liberalism’s core assumptions
3) Key concepts of liberalism
4) Different types/strands of liberalism
5) Practical exercise: US and Iran, why did a peaceful resolution fail?
5. Lesson 5: International society (English School)
1) English school as an alternative to the realism-liberalism debate?
2) Evolution of the English School
3) Core concepts
4) Critique to the English School
5) Exercise – order vs justice, supporting the US intervention in Iran?
6. Lesson 6: Reading week
7. Lesson 7: International Political Economy (IPE)
1) Context: why IPE?
2) Core concepts
3) The Three approaches
4) Practical exercise: The Strait of Hormuz
8. Lesson 8: Constructivism
1) What is constructivism?
, 2) Core concepts
3) Types of constructivism (2)
4) Critiques of constructivism
5) Practical exercise
9. Lesson 9: Post-positivist
1) Definition
2) Core concepts
3) The three Post-positivist approaches
4) Critiques of Post-positivist approaches
5) Applying Post-positivism to contemporary issues
6) Practical exercise: securitization analysis
10. Lesson 10: Role Theory – Guest lecture by Mahima Duggal
1) What is Role Theory?
2) Applying role theory
3) Simulation Game: "Who Am I?"
11. Les 11: Guest Lecture & Practicum on Alliance Politics with Domenico Farinelli
1) What is realism? (don’t take definitions from here, just see before!)
2) Are all states equal?
3) Key concepts in Alliance Politics
4) The security dilemma in alliance politics
5) Practical application: Europe and the risk of abandonment under Trump
6) Research method: process tracing
12. Lesson 12: Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA)
1) Definition: what is Foreign Policy Analysis?
2) Core concepts (5)
3) Approaches
4) Critiques
5) Case study: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
2
,Lesson 1: Introduction and Frameworks
1. Introduction
Theories are like glasses…
2. Learning objectives
= this course offers students a critical and in-depth exploration of theories of IR, with references to
current case studies structured around four key objectives:
1) Deepening understanding of core concepts
2) Engaging with contemporary international issues
3) Strengthening analytical skills
4) Promoting ongoing engagement with International affairs
3. Study material
Handbook: Introduction to International Relations, Theories and Approaches, Sørensen - Møller –
Jackson 8th or 9th edition
+ slides and additional texts, journals, podcasts all available online
4. Assignments
100% final written exam
3
,Lesson 2: What is theory? (only PowerPoint)
1. Learning objectives
Understand what theory is and why it matters
Distinguish ontology and epistemology
Understand levels of analysis
Apply levels of analysis to a contemporary case
2. What is a theory?
Definition: study of relationships + interactions between countries including activities, policies of
national governments, international organizations (IOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and
multinational corporations (MNCs)
So clearly an interdisciplinary inquiry + only became a proper academic discipline in the early
twentieth century (already aspects in time of ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu)
Why not just describe the reality or just observe facts, just like journalists etc?
= theory simplifies complexity and structures explanation
Main reason to study IR is the fact that the entire population of world is divided into separate
political communities or independent countries, nation-states affect way people think/live
In highly successful nation-states most of population identify (quite strongly) with the country
of which they are citizens
What is a theory? – four main things:
1. Identifies key actors
2. Makes assumptions about behaviour
3. Specifies casual mechanisms
4. Generates expectations about outcomes
Example?
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 = statement, description
States seek to maximise power under conditions of anarchy = a theoretical claim
Democracies rarely fight each other = opinion
difference is very important
SO, what’s the difference between description and theory?
Description = answers the question “what happened?”
Theory = answers “why it happened” and in “what condition it would happen again”
A strong theory does not simply list variables it establishes a chain of causality
Example – a realist causal chain: anarchy insecurity competition for power alliance
formation
Example – liberal causal chain: economic interdependence increased costs of war
incentives for cooperation
4
,3. Ontology and epistemology
Ontology = answer the question – what exists? states, individuals, ideas and norms, material
power only?
Epistemology = how can we know something about international politics?
Positivist: testable hypotheses, general patterns
Interpretive: meaning, discourse, context
Different theories make different knowledge claims
4. Level of analysis
Explanation and application to the situation in Taiwan:
1) Individual level: foreign policy is influences by leaders psychology, beliefs and experiences
(decision makers) – beliefs and perceptions, cognitive limitations (bounded rationality), personal
experiences, biases and misperceptions
Problem: leaders interpret threats subjectively – decisions shaped by incompl. info, beliefs…
2) State/domestic level: foreign policy depends on what happens inside the state – political
institutions, economic structures, regime types, societal pressure…
Realism: state-centred – focus on government capacity, can the state mobilize national
resources? (ex: strong country, weak government = limited foreign policy)
Liberalism: foreign policy reflects preferences of domestic groups – with actors such as
interest groups, citizen, economic actors (ex democracies more peaceful rel. with other democ.)
3) Systemic level: structure of international system – distribution of power (ex: bipolar, multipolar,
hegemonic); anarchy; interdependence and institutions; shared ideas and norms
Realism: states are constrained by anarchy compete for power and security (ex: balancing,
rivalry, great-power competition)
Liberalism: cooperation is possible trough institutions and economic interdependence
Constructivism: state interests depend on shared ideas and identities (not fixed)
= system-level theories explain broad patterns, but struggle to explain specific policies
Small states are strongly constrained by the system
Great powers have more freedom (especially hegemonic states)
Applied to the case of Taiwan:
Individual level:
How does Xi Jinping look at the situation in Taiwan?: shaped by nationalism, historical
narratives, concerns about regime legitimacy
How do US leaders interpret the situation?: influenced by credibility concerns, deterrence
logic, and domestic political pressures
State/domestic level:
China: government wants Taiwan, linked to national pride and legitimacy; + leaders must
avoid looking weak, pressure to act tough
5
, Taiwan: democracy, so elections matter; people have different identities (Taiwanese vs
Chinese) that affects policy
United States: politicians respond to voters and Congress + important industries (like chips)
influence decisions
Systemic level:
Embedded in great-power competition between the United States and China US seeks to
contain or balance China’s rise; China seeks to increase its regional dominance
Strategic importance of Taiwan:
Geopolitical: key position in the Indo-Pacific
Economic: global leader in semiconductor production (advanced chips via TSMC)
US supports Taiwan to maintain the regional balance of power; China views Taiwan as a core
national interest
if China were to control Taiwan, it could: shift the regional balance of power in Asia, gain leverage
over global semiconductor supply chains, challenge US dominance
5. Exercise – Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Individual level:
Cause: invasion is largely driven by Vladimir Putin’s personal beliefs and perceptions
Ukraine is historically a part of Russia + NATO’s expansion is a threat
Key factors: Nationalism, threat perception, overconfidence
Policy: increase costs (sanctions, military support, deterrence) change Putin’s cost–benefit
calculation, changings beliefs is a bit too hard
State level:
Cause: Russia’s regime seeks legitimacy and control
Key factors: authoritarian system, nationalism, control over media and public discourse, weak
domestic constraints
Policy: increase internal pressure on the regime (sanctions affecting economy and elite,
support for civil society + information flows, long-term weakening of regime)
Systemic level:
Cause: great-power competition and power shifts in anarchic system
Key factors: power shift and perceived decline of US dominance, NATO expansion, Ukraine
outside NATO, strategic and geopolitical importance of Ukraine
Policy: restoring the balance of power and deterrence (support Ukraine, reinforce and
strengthen NATO, preventing further Russia expansion)
6
