Political Science 101 POLS: International Relations International - Security Balance of Power Collective Security Alliance NATO Deterrence Arms Control Nuclear Proliferation Terrorism Asymmetric Warfare Cybersecurity

1. What This Is & Why It Matters

International Security: The study of how nations protect themselves from external threats, maintain stability, and prevent conflict. This concept is central to political science because understanding international security is crucial for explaining why some nations go to war, while others maintain peace and stability. Without grasping international security, you can't explain the rise and fall of empires, the causes of global conflict, or the effectiveness of international institutions.

Consider the example of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, where the United States, Iran, and other world powers negotiated a deal to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. This deal was a classic example of deterrence, where the threat of economic sanctions and military action was used to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Understanding deterrence is essential for analyzing this deal and predicting the likelihood of future conflicts.

2. Essential Thinkers, Concepts & Models

• Balance of Power: A concept that suggests that the distribution of power among nations prevents any one country from dominating others. This concept is still relevant today, as it underpins the structure of international institutions like the United Nations and the European Union.
• Collective Security: A model where multiple nations agree to provide mutual defense in the event of an attack. This concept is still relevant today, as it underpins the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other regional security organizations.
• Deterrence: A concept that suggests that the threat of punishment or retaliation can prevent an adversary from taking a particular action. This concept is still relevant today, as it underpins the nuclear deterrence policies of the United States and other nuclear-armed nations.
• Arms Control: A concept that suggests that the regulation of arms can prevent the escalation of conflict. This concept is still relevant today, as it underpins the various arms control agreements negotiated between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
• Nuclear Proliferation: A concept that suggests that the spread of nuclear weapons can increase the risk of conflict. This concept is still relevant today, as it underpins the efforts of the international community to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to countries like North Korea and Iran.
• Terrorism: A concept that suggests that the use of violence and intimidation can be used to achieve political goals. This concept is still relevant today, as it underpins the counter-terrorism policies of the United States and other countries.
• Asymmetric Warfare: A concept that suggests that non-state actors can use unconventional tactics to counter the military might of a more powerful adversary. This concept is still relevant today, as it underpins the tactics used by terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
• Cybersecurity: A concept that suggests that the protection of computer systems and networks is essential for national security. This concept is still relevant today, as it underpins the efforts of the United States and other countries to prevent cyber attacks and protect their critical infrastructure.

3. Step-by-Step ‘Political Analysis’

1. Define the problem: Clearly articulate the issue or question you are trying to address. In the case of international security, this might involve identifying a specific threat or challenge, such as the spread of nuclear weapons or the rise of terrorism.
2. Gather data: Collect relevant data and information about the issue or question you are trying to address. This might involve analyzing historical trends, examining current events, or conducting surveys or interviews with experts.
3. Compare cases: Compare your findings to other similar cases or situations. This might involve analyzing the effectiveness of different policies or strategies in addressing similar challenges.
4. Test a hypothesis: Based on your analysis, test a hypothesis or make a prediction about the likely outcome of a particular policy or strategy. This might involve using statistical models or other analytical tools to evaluate the potential consequences of different actions.
5. Evaluate the evidence: Evaluate the evidence you have collected and consider alternative explanations or perspectives. This might involve considering the potential biases or limitations of your data or analysis.

4. Common Student Mistakes

• Misconception: The concept of balance of power is only relevant in the context of great power politics.
• The right view: The concept of balance of power is relevant in a wide range of contexts, from international relations to domestic politics. For example, the balance of power between different branches of government can influence the effectiveness of a country's policies.
• Misconception: Collective security is only effective in the context of a clear and present threat.
• The right view: Collective security can be effective in a wide range of contexts, from preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to addressing humanitarian crises. For example, the international community's response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa was a classic example of collective security in action.
• Misconception: Deterrence is only effective in the context of a clear and present threat.
• The right view: Deterrence can be effective in a wide range of contexts, from preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to addressing cyber threats. For example, the United States' nuclear deterrence policy has been effective in preventing a nuclear war with Russia and China.

5. Exam/Essay Tips

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): MCQs typically involve selecting the correct answer from a set of options. When answering MCQs, make sure to read the question carefully and choose the answer that best addresses the question.
• Free Response Questions (FRQs): FRQs typically involve writing a short essay in response to a prompt. When answering FRQs, make sure to clearly articulate your argument, provide evidence to support your claims, and address potential counterarguments.
• Document-Based Questions (DBQs): DBQs typically involve analyzing a set of primary sources and writing a short essay in response to a prompt. When answering DBQs, make sure to carefully read the primary sources, identify the key themes and arguments, and use the sources to support your claims.

6. Quick Practice Scenario

A president deploys troops without Congressional approval – which constitutional principle is at stake?

Answer: The principle of separation of powers is at stake. The president's action violates the constitutional requirement that Congress must approve the deployment of troops.

7. Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• Balance of Power: A concept that suggests that the distribution of power among nations prevents any one country from dominating others.
• Collective Security: A model where multiple nations agree to provide mutual defense in the event of an attack.
• Deterrence: A concept that suggests that the threat of punishment or retaliation can prevent an adversary from taking a particular action.
• Arms Control: A concept that suggests that the regulation of arms can prevent the escalation of conflict.
• Nuclear Proliferation: A concept that suggests that the spread of nuclear weapons can increase the risk of conflict.
• Terrorism: A concept that suggests that the use of violence and intimidation can be used to achieve political goals.
• Asymmetric Warfare: A concept that suggests that non-state actors can use unconventional tactics to counter the military might of a more powerful adversary.
• Cybersecurity: A concept that suggests that the protection of computer systems and networks is essential for national security.
• Separation of Powers: A constitutional principle that divides power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
• Supreme Court Case: Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer (1952), which established the principle of separation of powers in the context of executive power.

8. Further Study Resources

• Textbook: American Government: Stories of a Nation by David E. Kyvig
• Khan Academy Unit: International Relations
• YouTube Channel: Crash Course Government