University:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Course:
PS 140 | Introduction to International Relations
Academic year:

2024
Views:

102

Pages:

3
Author:

Lili K.

PS 140 Handout for Week 6 Week of October 7th, 2024 Lecture 9 & 10 Revel 5.1, 5.3, 6.1-2, 6.5; Lalwani & Winter-Levy, Henkhaus, Voeten, Goddard Key terms and concepts Hegemonic War • Definition: • Example & other details: Total War • Definition: • Example & other details: Limited War • Definition: • Example & other details: Civil War • Definition: • Example & other details: Guerrilla War • Definition: • Example & other details: Truth Commissions • Definition: • Example & other details: Conflict • Definition: • Example & other details: Cycle theories • Definition: • Example & other details: Irredentism • Definition: • Example & other details: Ethnic Cleansing • Definition: • Example & other details: Territorial Waters • Definition: • Example & other details: Airspace • Definition: • Example & other details: Infantry • Definition: • Example & other details: Counterinsurgency • Definition: • Example & other details: Landmines • Definition: • Example & other details: Power Projection • Definition: • Example & other details: Drones • Definition: • Example & other details: Electronic Warfare • Definition: • Example & other details: Stealth Technology • Definition: • Example & other details: Chain of Command • Definition: • Example & other details: Civil-military Relations • Definition: • Example & other details: Coup d’état • Definition: • Example & other details: Military Governments • Definition: • Example & other details: Discussion 1. What are some sources of leverage in international politics? What is the dominant source of leverage in security/conflict issues? Military power, economic influence, diplomacy, soft power (cultural or ideological appeal), and alliances. In security and conflict issues, the dominant source of leverage is military power as states used their military capabilities as a deterrent or as a means of compliance to influence the actions of others. 2. World military spending is nearly $2 trillion every year. If you could redirect these funds, how would you use them? Would such uses be better or worse for the states involved? Do you think there is a realistic chance of redirecting military spending in the way you suggest? If I could redirect the money currently being budgeted for the military, I would prioritize global public goods such as healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and combatting climate change. These investments could foster long-term stability, reducing the root causes of conflict such as inequality and environmental degradation. Such uses would likely be better for the states as the efforts are promoting human development, reducing economic burdens, and enhancing diplomatic solutions to conflict. However, the likelihood of a significant redirection is low, given states’ focus on national security and geopolitical competition. 3. According to Lalwani and Winter-Levy, what does recent research indicate about the frequency and scale of war? They discuss a finding that indicates that war is becoming less frequent or deadly. Braumoeller’s analysis suggests that there has been no significant decline in the deadliness of wars over the past 200 years. He also finds that the frequency of conflict initiation between states has increased, and the escalatory dynamics that causes massive wars in the past remain intact. This contradicts the view that the world is becoming more peaceful.