8/18/2008
My Tenth Day of Class (International Political Economy)
8/11 (Mon)
Is the concept of 'nationa states' are already old-fashioned because we are more economically interdependent one another? Let's think about the relationship between politics and economics.
According to 'The Nature of Political Economy' written by Robert Glipinpower, the relationship between politics and economics can be translated into the relationship between 'power and wealth.'
Thus, we can regard political economy as the study of the relationship or the reciprocal interaction between power and wealth.
There are three conceptions of political economy: Liberalism, Marxism, and mercantilism.
A question is raised here. Is the essence of economic relations harmonious or conflictual?
If you think the former opotion is resonable, you prefer Liberalism. And the latter, Marxism or Mercantilism.
I have lots of thing to write down more. I will update as soon as possible.
During the class we had a extra discussion on Russia-Georgia Conflict.
We are assigned to read a article 'In Georgia and Russia, a Perfect Brew for a Blowup' from the New York Times.
Is the concept of 'nationa states' are already old-fashioned because we are more economically interdependent one another? Let's think about the relationship between politics and economics.
According to 'The Nature of Political Economy' written by Robert Glipinpower, the relationship between politics and economics can be translated into the relationship between 'power and wealth.'
Thus, we can regard political economy as the study of the relationship or the reciprocal interaction between power and wealth.
There are three conceptions of political economy: Liberalism, Marxism, and mercantilism.
A question is raised here. Is the essence of economic relations harmonious or conflictual?
If you think the former opotion is resonable, you prefer Liberalism. And the latter, Marxism or Mercantilism.
I have lots of thing to write down more. I will update as soon as possible.
During the class we had a extra discussion on Russia-Georgia Conflict.
We are assigned to read a article 'In Georgia and Russia, a Perfect Brew for a Blowup' from the New York Times.
8/10/2008
My Nineth Day of Class (Mid-term Exam)
8/7 (Thu)
Today I had a mid-term exam!!
The instructor gave out a sheet of review paper so that the students could prepare for the exam.
The exam consists of two parts: short identifications and essay.
It was a bit surprise for me that a student finished it and left a classroom in 30 minutes.
The instructor asked us to write down the basic knowledges we studied during last classes. That is why the questions were comparatively easy. However, I found it difficult to get right to the point when I wrote down my answers for each question.
Today I had a mid-term exam!!
The instructor gave out a sheet of review paper so that the students could prepare for the exam.
The exam consists of two parts: short identifications and essay.
It was a bit surprise for me that a student finished it and left a classroom in 30 minutes.
The instructor asked us to write down the basic knowledges we studied during last classes. That is why the questions were comparatively easy. However, I found it difficult to get right to the point when I wrote down my answers for each question.
8/09/2008
My Seventh Day of Class (Foreign Policy Models)
8/5(Tue)
How are specific policy descisions actually made?
Are you interested in the decision-making process in a political field?
Today I learned three models of the decision making through the article 'Conceptual Models and the Cuban Missile Crisis' written by Graham T. Allison, an American political scientist.
The three models are Rational Policy Model, Beauraucratics Policy Model, and Interest Group Policy Model. He uses cuban crisis as a case study to analyze foreign policy models.
How are specific policy descisions actually made?
Are you interested in the decision-making process in a political field?
Today I learned three models of the decision making through the article 'Conceptual Models and the Cuban Missile Crisis' written by Graham T. Allison, an American political scientist.
The three models are Rational Policy Model, Beauraucratics Policy Model, and Interest Group Policy Model. He uses cuban crisis as a case study to analyze foreign policy models.
My Sixth Day of Class (Wars)
The title of today's class is 'why do states fight wars?'
Wars and peace are central concerns in IR.
Realism would answer for the question as follows.....
The causes of wars are:
●Anarchy and self-help system
●Break of Balance of Power in the international system
●Security dilemma
The solutions for wars are:
●Maintain Balance of Power
●Derrerrance
Liberalism would answer as follows......
The causes of wars are:
●Domestic politics
●Failour/lack of democracy and cooperative regimes
The solutions for wars are:
●Cooperation under security dilemma
●Iterated interaction
●international institutions
Marxism would answer as follows........
The causes of wars are:
●Competition over leardership of global economy
●The legacy of colonialism (North-South relations and wars)
●Civil wars and humanitarian intervention
●State failure, terrorism, drug wars
●The export of arms
The solution for wars is:
●Delink from capitalism
Constructivism would answer as follows.......
The causes of wars are:
●Aggresive norms
●Misperception/Misunderstanding
●identity conflict
The solutions for wars is:
●Positive intersubjective understanding
Defineing the causes are very important to solve the problems. Each theory help us to get closer to the truth.
Wars and peace are central concerns in IR.
Realism would answer for the question as follows.....
The causes of wars are:
●Anarchy and self-help system
●Break of Balance of Power in the international system
●Security dilemma
The solutions for wars are:
●Maintain Balance of Power
●Derrerrance
Liberalism would answer as follows......
The causes of wars are:
●Domestic politics
●Failour/lack of democracy and cooperative regimes
The solutions for wars are:
●Cooperation under security dilemma
●Iterated interaction
●international institutions
Marxism would answer as follows........
The causes of wars are:
●Competition over leardership of global economy
●The legacy of colonialism (North-South relations and wars)
●Civil wars and humanitarian intervention
●State failure, terrorism, drug wars
●The export of arms
The solution for wars is:
●Delink from capitalism
Constructivism would answer as follows.......
The causes of wars are:
●Aggresive norms
●Misperception/Misunderstanding
●identity conflict
The solutions for wars is:
●Positive intersubjective understanding
Defineing the causes are very important to solve the problems. Each theory help us to get closer to the truth.
8/04/2008
My Fifth Day of Class (Constructivism)
7/31 (Thu)
Today is the final day for learning IR theories. Today we covered Constructivism.
Its main arguments are:
●Reality is not given but socially constructed
●Ideas/Identity mattes the most
●Our language is important - reflect our ideas
●Our perspective not only shapes how and what we see, but the meaning we take
from it
●The Sneetches, by Dr. Seuss
●Emphasize culture, norms, ideas, identity, socialization, ideology,
language,cognition over utility
●Shared ideas, norms, ets can promote cooperatioin
In summary, constructivism claims that reality is constructed by our ideas or perceptions. For example, let's think about international system which realism and liberalism call it 'anarchy.' Constructivism believes that 'anarchical' international system was created by us. It did not preexist. Because we think other countries are not reliable and fearful, we perceive the world as anarchy.
Constructivism analyzes international issues focusing on how ideas affects on them.
Today is the final day for learning IR theories. Today we covered Constructivism.
Its main arguments are:
●Reality is not given but socially constructed
●Ideas/Identity mattes the most
●Our language is important - reflect our ideas
●Our perspective not only shapes how and what we see, but the meaning we take
from it
●The Sneetches, by Dr. Seuss
●Emphasize culture, norms, ideas, identity, socialization, ideology,
language,cognition over utility
●Shared ideas, norms, ets can promote cooperatioin
In summary, constructivism claims that reality is constructed by our ideas or perceptions. For example, let's think about international system which realism and liberalism call it 'anarchy.' Constructivism believes that 'anarchical' international system was created by us. It did not preexist. Because we think other countries are not reliable and fearful, we perceive the world as anarchy.
Constructivism analyzes international issues focusing on how ideas affects on them.
My Forth Day of Class (Marxism)
7/30(Wed)
Marxism is the third theory for me to learn in the course. Marxism mainly explains inequality in the world. For example, it can explain questions like 'why are there rich and poor people and states?' and 'how do we explain the poverty in the third world countries?.' The students in the class guessed that corruption, raw material export, capitalism, colonialism, ethnic conflicts, HIV/AIDS, and the system of world economy might be raised to explain the above questions.
First, let me show you the overview of Marxism in international relatioins.
●Classes drive politics
●Marckets are inherently exploitative, and produce class conflicts
●The state and its foreign policies reflect elite interests
●The expansion of marckets leads to colonialism
- International system is not anarchical but hierachical
- International conflicts are found in global economic competition
●Post-WWⅡprovides new forms of neo-colonialism
Marx believed in capitalist societies that classes determined by the mode of production are devided into the Bourgeosie and the Proletariat. The Bourgeosis has its land and capital to product. In contrary, the Proletariat has nothing but its labor to make ends meet. Thus, the Bourgeosis exploits the Proletariat, which creat a hierarchical society. Applying this Marxism to international system, Marxism in international relations considers that world can be divided between 'Core' and 'Periphery' states. In this system, it is believed that 'Core' states such as the U.S, the Europian countries, and Japan expoit 'Perophery' states such as the African countries, the Asian countries, and the Latin America countries. 'Core' states export manufactured goods to which high value added to 'Periphery' states which exports cheap raw materials and labor to which low value added. Between two sides, there exists uneven terms of trade which yields inequality in the world.
Marxism is the third theory for me to learn in the course. Marxism mainly explains inequality in the world. For example, it can explain questions like 'why are there rich and poor people and states?' and 'how do we explain the poverty in the third world countries?.' The students in the class guessed that corruption, raw material export, capitalism, colonialism, ethnic conflicts, HIV/AIDS, and the system of world economy might be raised to explain the above questions.
First, let me show you the overview of Marxism in international relatioins.
●Classes drive politics
●Marckets are inherently exploitative, and produce class conflicts
●The state and its foreign policies reflect elite interests
●The expansion of marckets leads to colonialism
- International system is not anarchical but hierachical
- International conflicts are found in global economic competition
●Post-WWⅡprovides new forms of neo-colonialism
Marx believed in capitalist societies that classes determined by the mode of production are devided into the Bourgeosie and the Proletariat. The Bourgeosis has its land and capital to product. In contrary, the Proletariat has nothing but its labor to make ends meet. Thus, the Bourgeosis exploits the Proletariat, which creat a hierarchical society. Applying this Marxism to international system, Marxism in international relations considers that world can be divided between 'Core' and 'Periphery' states. In this system, it is believed that 'Core' states such as the U.S, the Europian countries, and Japan expoit 'Perophery' states such as the African countries, the Asian countries, and the Latin America countries. 'Core' states export manufactured goods to which high value added to 'Periphery' states which exports cheap raw materials and labor to which low value added. Between two sides, there exists uneven terms of trade which yields inequality in the world.
7/29/2008
My Third Day of Class(Liberalism)
7/29(Tue)
Today we covered 'liberalism' which is also one of major international relations theories. Historically, Immanuel Kant and Woodrow Wilson are famous for advocates of liberalism.
Now let me show the overview of liberalism in brief here.
●Core belief - Spreding democracy, global economic ties, and strengthing peace
●Wars are not inevitable
●Wars can be reduced by institutional arrangement
●Collective security as a possible
●Interdependency
●Other actors such as NGO, international organizations, multinational coｒporations are included
●Democratic countries do not fight one another
Key Actors:
●States
●International institutions (UN, WTO, etc)
●Non governmental groups
●Multinational coporations
＊States are not unitary/autonomous actors as realists think because they have many intersts and layers in a domestic politics.
Classical liberalism:
Classical liberalism has a belief that human nature is good by nature, and that democracy and
capitalism are keys to make for peace. Kant explains that democracy, trade, and international institutions are essence of peaceful world.
As for trade, there are three reasons to analyze why trade is a good way for peace. First, it is because no one want to destroy their trade relations when trade due to war and military conflicts. Second, trade provides routine interactions between two countries
Third, countries go hand in hand with democracy.
Next, let me describe why international institutions are also the means to establish the peaceful world. It is because internatinoal institutions provide an arena for iterated interactions. And, international institutions have common rules to make each country obey. Also, international institutions provide information to all members. This brings transparency amon countries via international institutions.
Finally, the reason why democracy are needed for peace is because citizens can vote for electing their president, and thus, stop waging wars even if the president wanted to go to war. In other words, the president cannot go to war if he/she did not gain domestic support for war.
At first, I was confused with Kant's theory which capitalism is neccessary for peace because I had read Lenin's article 'From Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism' before I learned Kant's theory in the class. There are lots of theories in international relations, they are competing one another. We should pick up best theories which would apply for contemporary politics. And it is better to be flexible about applying theories to real situations happening in the world.
The class reading for today's content is 'Liberalism and World Politics' written by Michael W. Doyle. You can read the article by clicking the following URL.
http://homepages.stmartin.edu/fac_staff/rlangill/PLS%20300/Liberalism%20and%20World%20Politics%20Doyle.htm
Today we covered 'liberalism' which is also one of major international relations theories. Historically, Immanuel Kant and Woodrow Wilson are famous for advocates of liberalism.
Now let me show the overview of liberalism in brief here.
●Core belief - Spreding democracy, global economic ties, and strengthing peace
●Wars are not inevitable
●Wars can be reduced by institutional arrangement
●Collective security as a possible
●Interdependency
●Other actors such as NGO, international organizations, multinational coｒporations are included
●Democratic countries do not fight one another
Key Actors:
●States
●International institutions (UN, WTO, etc)
●Non governmental groups
●Multinational coporations
＊States are not unitary/autonomous actors as realists think because they have many intersts and layers in a domestic politics.
Classical liberalism:
Classical liberalism has a belief that human nature is good by nature, and that democracy and
capitalism are keys to make for peace. Kant explains that democracy, trade, and international institutions are essence of peaceful world.
As for trade, there are three reasons to analyze why trade is a good way for peace. First, it is because no one want to destroy their trade relations when trade due to war and military conflicts. Second, trade provides routine interactions between two countries
Third, countries go hand in hand with democracy.
Next, let me describe why international institutions are also the means to establish the peaceful world. It is because internatinoal institutions provide an arena for iterated interactions. And, international institutions have common rules to make each country obey. Also, international institutions provide information to all members. This brings transparency amon countries via international institutions.
Finally, the reason why democracy are needed for peace is because citizens can vote for electing their president, and thus, stop waging wars even if the president wanted to go to war. In other words, the president cannot go to war if he/she did not gain domestic support for war.
At first, I was confused with Kant's theory which capitalism is neccessary for peace because I had read Lenin's article 'From Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism' before I learned Kant's theory in the class. There are lots of theories in international relations, they are competing one another. We should pick up best theories which would apply for contemporary politics. And it is better to be flexible about applying theories to real situations happening in the world.
The class reading for today's content is 'Liberalism and World Politics' written by Michael W. Doyle. You can read the article by clicking the following URL.
http://homepages.stmartin.edu/fac_staff/rlangill/PLS%20300/Liberalism%20and%20World%20Politics%20Doyle.htm
My Second Day of Class(Realism)
7/28(Mon)
Today is my second day of class. Its main argument is about Realism in IR.
Realism is one of major IR theories.
The instructor presented an overview of realism to us in the begging of the class.
The way of seeing the world politics for realism is:
1.War is natural and inevitable
2.International system is anarchy
3.States are fundamentally concerned with national interest
4.Power is key to national interest(survive, military strength, wealth, etc)
5.Relative gains is better than absolute gains for realism
6.Talk is cheap(because the strength to survive is much important for realism)
International System
●The international system is anarchic
●"No government over governments"
●No 911 in international system
●Self-help
These descriptions of international system suggest that there is no such people or organization like police and firefighters to protect you or save you in the world. In addition, there is no absolute authorities to restrict each state's behavior. Therefore, you cannot rely on any other states. That is why you should protect you by yourself and cannot ask for help when you need it because international system is anarchic.
Key Actors
●The states
●Rational, unitary actors calculating on the basis of their "national interest" ('Rational' in this context means that the states know the means to achieve their goals.)
●State power - the key means to seek for national interest
- the primary determinant of international relations
Balance of Power
●the ratio of power between states and alliance of states
●balancing occurs out of fear for survival
●war occurs due to imbalances
●balance of power creates three types of polarity
1.Biopolarity(like the U.S and Soviet Union during Cold War)
2.Multipolarity
3.Unipolarity
During the class we discussed which polarity is better for stability in world politics. Most students told that multipolarity is better because, according to one student, they can check one another.
The flaws of Realism
Realism neglects
●non-state actors such as NGO or individual people
●domestic politics
●morality
●weak states
●human rights
These are some parts of explanation of realism. I am quite convinced with its theory. We cannot deny the fact that the state as well as an individual has interest and desire. That is why we sometimes conflict each other and wage wars. What is impressed in the article 'One world, rival theories' is the sentence, "a ruthless pragmatism about power can actually yield a more peaceful world." I agree with the statement because just an ideal plan which is drawing a perfect world cannot help the conflicts in the world.
スライド 4 スライド 4
Today is my second day of class. Its main argument is about Realism in IR.
Realism is one of major IR theories.
The instructor presented an overview of realism to us in the begging of the class.
The way of seeing the world politics for realism is:
1.War is natural and inevitable
2.International system is anarchy
3.States are fundamentally concerned with national interest
4.Power is key to national interest(survive, military strength, wealth, etc)
5.Relative gains is better than absolute gains for realism
6.Talk is cheap(because the strength to survive is much important for realism)
International System
●The international system is anarchic
●"No government over governments"
●No 911 in international system
●Self-help
These descriptions of international system suggest that there is no such people or organization like police and firefighters to protect you or save you in the world. In addition, there is no absolute authorities to restrict each state's behavior. Therefore, you cannot rely on any other states. That is why you should protect you by yourself and cannot ask for help when you need it because international system is anarchic.
Key Actors
●The states
●Rational, unitary actors calculating on the basis of their "national interest" ('Rational' in this context means that the states know the means to achieve their goals.)
●State power - the key means to seek for national interest
- the primary determinant of international relations
Balance of Power
●the ratio of power between states and alliance of states
●balancing occurs out of fear for survival
●war occurs due to imbalances
●balance of power creates three types of polarity
1.Biopolarity(like the U.S and Soviet Union during Cold War)
2.Multipolarity
3.Unipolarity
During the class we discussed which polarity is better for stability in world politics. Most students told that multipolarity is better because, according to one student, they can check one another.
The flaws of Realism
Realism neglects
●non-state actors such as NGO or individual people
●domestic politics
●morality
●weak states
●human rights
These are some parts of explanation of realism. I am quite convinced with its theory. We cannot deny the fact that the state as well as an individual has interest and desire. That is why we sometimes conflict each other and wage wars. What is impressed in the article 'One world, rival theories' is the sentence, "a ruthless pragmatism about power can actually yield a more peaceful world." I agree with the statement because just an ideal plan which is drawing a perfect world cannot help the conflicts in the world.
7/27/2008
Obama's speech in Berlin
In my first day of class, the instructor told us that reading a good news paper such as New York Times and Wall Street Journal will help us understand some current IR issues in class. Therefore, I tried to read some articles on New York Times website.
And I want to show you three pictures from the website.
You can notice Barack Obama in the picture. Then, do you know where he is? He is not in the U.S, but in Berlin, Germany. I can hardly believe my eyes! Such incredible number of people gathering together to listen to his speech! When I see these pictures, I think as if he was in the U.S. You can listen to his speech by accessing to the below URL.
http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=03fd064efe9f97792bbaa5fa6c33f3a17a188833
Three of these pictures were taken from 'The New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/07/24/world/0724-OBAMAGERMANY_index.html)'
7/25/2008
My First Day of Class
7/24(Thu)
Today was my first day of class. My class is held at from 2:20 p.m. to 4:50 from Monday through Thursday. The instructor wraped up today's lecture earlier than the normal time.
My instructor is Korean and in PhD course in Political Science.
By the way, he distributed a sheet of syllabus and carefully explained it. According to the syllabus, I have midtem exam on 7 August, final exam on 21 August, and pop-up quiz. Pop-up quiz is going to be like what is the argument of Kant or what is the argument of Jervis. He told us that it is easy to solve if we read the articles in the textbook.
Then, let me write about today's content. After we looked over the syllabus, we thought about International Relations(IR), theory, and the step for theorizing. First, what is IR? Before answering for the question, the instructor gave us an idea that this course 'Introduction to IR' is for answering WHY do things happen the way they happen in that way. Then, he explained us that IR is the scientific study of the interaction of people or states across state borders. In this sentence, the word 'the interaction' makes a difference between IR and comparative politics. Second, the instructor gave us a question about what is a theory. After a few second, two students in a class suggested that it is an explanation or an educated guess. As they suggested, the instructor told us that theory is an attempt to find general and causal explanation.
Third, what was most interesting topic was studying the step for theorizing. Here, he introduced us the term 'Dependent Variable' and 'Independent Variable.' The first thing for us to theorize about a phenomenon is finding a puzzle, reserch question. For example, let's think about the puzzle of WHY the percentage of those who are saying the U.S is ready to have Black president is rising. In this puzzle, dependent variable is the rising persentage of people who are supporting for black president. During class, the students examined what independent variable is. Some guesses were raised. For instance, rising gas price, dislike of the other candidates, global influence, generation change, media, or good looking.
The important thing of theory is defining independent valiable. It is because the world would be disaster if we failed to define the correct independent variable. In short, independent variable is like the cause of the happening or accident. If we misdefined the cause in the process of solving the happening or accident, we could bring another disaster to the world.
That is all about today's class. I have no class on Friday. So, I will spend time preparing for the next class on Monday.
Misaki
Today was my first day of class. My class is held at from 2:20 p.m. to 4:50 from Monday through Thursday. The instructor wraped up today's lecture earlier than the normal time.
My instructor is Korean and in PhD course in Political Science.
By the way, he distributed a sheet of syllabus and carefully explained it. According to the syllabus, I have midtem exam on 7 August, final exam on 21 August, and pop-up quiz. Pop-up quiz is going to be like what is the argument of Kant or what is the argument of Jervis. He told us that it is easy to solve if we read the articles in the textbook.
Then, let me write about today's content. After we looked over the syllabus, we thought about International Relations(IR), theory, and the step for theorizing. First, what is IR? Before answering for the question, the instructor gave us an idea that this course 'Introduction to IR' is for answering WHY do things happen the way they happen in that way. Then, he explained us that IR is the scientific study of the interaction of people or states across state borders. In this sentence, the word 'the interaction' makes a difference between IR and comparative politics. Second, the instructor gave us a question about what is a theory. After a few second, two students in a class suggested that it is an explanation or an educated guess. As they suggested, the instructor told us that theory is an attempt to find general and causal explanation.
Third, what was most interesting topic was studying the step for theorizing. Here, he introduced us the term 'Dependent Variable' and 'Independent Variable.' The first thing for us to theorize about a phenomenon is finding a puzzle, reserch question. For example, let's think about the puzzle of WHY the percentage of those who are saying the U.S is ready to have Black president is rising. In this puzzle, dependent variable is the rising persentage of people who are supporting for black president. During class, the students examined what independent variable is. Some guesses were raised. For instance, rising gas price, dislike of the other candidates, global influence, generation change, media, or good looking.
The important thing of theory is defining independent valiable. It is because the world would be disaster if we failed to define the correct independent variable. In short, independent variable is like the cause of the happening or accident. If we misdefined the cause in the process of solving the happening or accident, we could bring another disaster to the world.
That is all about today's class. I have no class on Friday. So, I will spend time preparing for the next class on Monday.
Misaki
7/24/2008
7/23/2008
My Roommate
I moved to my dormetory today at 5:30 p.m.
My roommate is HSIAO-FANG PENG from Taiwan. She is 22 years old and studying English at the UW.
What surprised me most was that she gave me a welcoming card and a gift from Taiwan.
Please take a look at the pictures.
7/21/2008
Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism
In the morning, we studied for two hours at the Cafe on the Avenue.
On Sunday every library opens at 1 p.m. So, we descided to study at the cafe in the morning and at the Asian library in the evening.
In two pictures on the left side, you can see Yuri and Fumi for each picture. Do you see Yuri on the left side of the picture? And Fumi on the right? On every Sunday, we are commuting to this cafe. The best thing for studying here is that we can access to the Internet freely at any Cafe. In Japan, I feel very incovenient to study outside like Cafe because I cannot serch the Web. In contrast, it is very convenient here to study at Cafe or libraries at the UW.
Today I reread Jack Snyder's article 'One World, Rival Theories.'
This article explains three international relations theories in the world. These theories exhibit each distinct characteristics. Please let me remind you and me about each characteristic and flaws. Thw author displays three international relations based on Stephen M. Walt's article 'One World, Many Theories' from Foreign Policy published in 1998. Stephen M. Walt sketched out three dominant theories: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism. Briefly, according to Jack Snyder, realism is the school of international relations theory which believes that 'international affairs is a strrugle for power among self-interested states.' What strikes me is that his emphasis on the effectiveness of cruel pragmatism about power. He thinks that it produce a more peaceful world than other ways. In case of liberalism, it is the other school of international relations theory which expect that 'democracies will not attack each other and will regard each other's regimes as legitimate and nonthreatning.' However, it is not always true as you might think so. I forgat to write that realism also has the flaws. One more school of international relations theory is constructivism which believe that 'foreign policy is guided by ethical and legal standards.' In other words, it consider debates about ideas as the fundamental building blocks of internatioinal relations. It is because everything comes from thoughts and theories. However, constructivism also has flaws as same as other schools. It is important to know each frame of theories as a way to look at the tendency for the world politics. In addition, Jack Snyder addresses the pliability of these international relations theories. He introduces Condoleezza Rice's remark that 'the new Bush doctrine is an amalgam of pragmatic realism and Wilsonian liberal theory.' He demands the necessity of filling up the gap each theory is facing now.
San Juan Islands
We spent our whole day in San Juan Islands on Saturday.
We went around a town, Friday Harbor, located in the island, ate lunch there, watched alpacas, observed some whales, and viewd
beatiful scenery. Mike, my friend in Seattle, took us to the Islands by car to Anacortes. And then, we left Anacortes to Friday Harbor by Ferry. Other major islands in San Juan County are Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island.Except shopping mall, you can see the scenery of countryside there. Long street in the middle of prairie, meadow districts, alpacas(Look at the upper picture), the oceans, lots of flowers... I felt relaxed there.
As is written in a guidebook, the main purpose for people to go there is to see the whales right before your eyes. We also had expected so before we left from Seattle. And finally we ........... saw four whales moving slowly in front of us!! It was amazing!!
I sank myself into nature at that time. I highly recommend you for visiting San Juan Islands when you have chance to come to State of Washington.
I met a little girl there after I observed whales. I asked her if I can take a photo with her. And she said 'Sure.'(Look at the lower picture)
Misaki
7/19/2008
7/18/2008
I am in Seattle!
Hi, everybody! We got to Seattle at 9:30 a.m. on 17 July. Seattle 16 hours behind Tokyo.After we got out of Tacoma-Seattle International Airport, we took Shuttle Express and got to our hotel.
And then, we visited Housing and Food Services located in the Schmitz Hall. There we found lots of problems about our housing. In my case, my room has not been assigned yet because I cancceld it once and did not complete deposit payment online. However, the woman in the office solved my problem, and I can get a room during b-term. It was a big relief!! Yuki and Yuri also had problems, but both of them managed to get their rooms, too. The picture shows the scene which they were strrugling for solving the problem. We are supposed to know our room number and roommate tomorrow.
In the evening we went to Odegaard Undergraduate Library and Suzzallo & Allen Library.
We had dinner at Thai restaurant. And we ate 'sticky rice pudding' that is my favourite dessert.
Before the dinner, we went to the bookstore and bought our textbboks or other stuffs for our study here.
I stop writing here. Thank you for reading my blog.
Misaki
7/17/2008
At last!!
Tomorrow we are departing for Seattle from Sendai!
I am very glad to welcome the day that four of us can go to the UW to take a course.
Everyone did a great effort to get 500 PBT TOEFL score. Yuri and Yuki spent their time for preparing for TOEFL over 5 months or moreover. Fumi also tried her best within a quite short time.
And finally, they achieved their goals!
By the way, we are landing at Seattle at about 9 a.m. on 17 July.
This is my third time to attend a course at the UW.
I try to report my daily activity in the class on my Blog and to join in classes actively.
Please wait for a while for my updating you.
I appreciate Araki-sensei, Lee-sensei, and Yuto for taking care of us and shareing their precious time for our presentation!
Thank you very very much!!
I am very glad to welcome the day that four of us can go to the UW to take a course.
Everyone did a great effort to get 500 PBT TOEFL score. Yuri and Yuki spent their time for preparing for TOEFL over 5 months or moreover. Fumi also tried her best within a quite short time.
And finally, they achieved their goals!
By the way, we are landing at Seattle at about 9 a.m. on 17 July.
This is my third time to attend a course at the UW.
I try to report my daily activity in the class on my Blog and to join in classes actively.
Please wait for a while for my updating you.
I appreciate Araki-sensei, Lee-sensei, and Yuto for taking care of us and shareing their precious time for our presentation!
Thank you very very much!!
7/15/2008
The Latest News
The article, "First Guantanamo video released", has been reported from BBC.
It shows us the videotape filmed for the first time through an air duct at the US prison camp in Guantanamo Bay. In the video 16-years-old man is interviewed by Canadian officials.
You can read more closery at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7507216.stm
7/07/2008
7/06/2008
Sunni and Shia Muslim
The diversion of Sunni and Shia dates back to the argument after prophet Muhammad dead in 632.
Sunna(followers of the custom of the caliphate) group appointed Abu Baker as the next Caliph after Muhammad's death. In contrary, Shia(followers of Ali) appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib who was Muhammad's a paternal cousin and son-in-low.
About 90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and about 10% Shia.
Their disagreement is stil persistent today.
(http://www.islamfortoday.com/beliefs01.htm)
Sunna(followers of the custom of the caliphate) group appointed Abu Baker as the next Caliph after Muhammad's death. In contrary, Shia(followers of Ali) appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib who was Muhammad's a paternal cousin and son-in-low.
About 90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and about 10% Shia.
Their disagreement is stil persistent today.
(http://www.islamfortoday.com/beliefs01.htm)
7/05/2008
Three Types of Muslim Diversity
In his article, he thinks that the generalization of Muslim is not possible. And he confirms that the scholar should be cautions when they talk about Muslims.
It is because Muslim diverse depending on the environment around them, the nations, and beliefs they have.
He introduces three examples of the diversity of Muslims.
The first example is the difference between Sunni and Shia.
The second one is the urban-rural difference.
The third one is the difference among nations.
Because of the several elements among Muslims to identify them, we cannot simply generize them.
It is because Muslim diverse depending on the environment around them, the nations, and beliefs they have.
He introduces three examples of the diversity of Muslims.
The first example is the difference between Sunni and Shia.
The second one is the urban-rural difference.
The third one is the difference among nations.
Because of the several elements among Muslims to identify them, we cannot simply generize them.
7/04/2008
My Presentation
Tonight I gave a presentation on a Carl von Clausewitz's idea, 'War as an instrument of Policy.'
It was hard time for me to make his idea understood among the participants of the schlarship program and Dr. Araki Suguru.
What was the most confusing topic was an example of an expression of fencing in Clausewitz's work. He applys the expression of fencing to explain the relationship between war and politics.
I found it very interesting expression to understand what he analyzes about war.
If you want to read that part, please go to http://www.clausewitz.com/CWZHOME/VomKriege2/Bk8ch06.html#B
During my presentation Yuto, the senior and the last time participant of the scholarship program, gave me a question. He said to me that 'I cannot believe that war as an instrument of politics will bring states interests and assets what they want. In addition to his opinion, Yuri, Yuki, Humi told me their opinions and impressioins for my presentation. Dr.Araki stated that there is no way but war to make their opponents vanish and pass from view. However, no person or states should conduct wars as a way to seek their interests.
Wars can never be justified like atomic bombs.
It was hard time for me to make his idea understood among the participants of the schlarship program and Dr. Araki Suguru.
What was the most confusing topic was an example of an expression of fencing in Clausewitz's work. He applys the expression of fencing to explain the relationship between war and politics.
I found it very interesting expression to understand what he analyzes about war.
If you want to read that part, please go to http://www.clausewitz.com/CWZHOME/VomKriege2/Bk8ch06.html#B
During my presentation Yuto, the senior and the last time participant of the scholarship program, gave me a question. He said to me that 'I cannot believe that war as an instrument of politics will bring states interests and assets what they want. In addition to his opinion, Yuri, Yuki, Humi told me their opinions and impressioins for my presentation. Dr.Araki stated that there is no way but war to make their opponents vanish and pass from view. However, no person or states should conduct wars as a way to seek their interests.
Wars can never be justified like atomic bombs.
6/29/2008
Yahya Sadowski
Chapter 5 named 'The State' is the part I am now stucking in my textbook. The introduction to this chapter says that 'The state is the key actor in international relations.'
Yahya Sadowski of American University of Beirut describes the diversity of Islam and the characteristic of political islam.
Let me introduce Yahya Sadowski briefly here. He is the associate professor of political studies at American University of Beirut. He got his Ph.D. at Univeristy of California in Los Angels in 1984.
I have just begun reading his article 'Political Islam: Asking The Wrong Questions?'
As for as I read, he emphasizes the diversity of Islam and the danger to simply regard
Yahya Sadowski of American University of Beirut describes the diversity of Islam and the characteristic of political islam.
Let me introduce Yahya Sadowski briefly here. He is the associate professor of political studies at American University of Beirut. He got his Ph.D. at Univeristy of California in Los Angels in 1984.
I have just begun reading his article 'Political Islam: Asking The Wrong Questions?'
As for as I read, he emphasizes the diversity of Islam and the danger to simply regard
6/28/2008
'War as an Instrument of Policy'
Today I was reading a part of Carl Von Clausewits' masterpiece, 'On War.'
In the book8 ,Plan of War, Chapter6 presents Clausewits' most famous argument that is about 'war is nothing but a continuation of political intercourse.'
He says in his book that people usually tend to think that War is derived from the disagreement of bargaining. However, War is a continuation of political intercourse because war is a part of politics, and just like he says, the instrument of policy.
Here I note that we really have to remember that war is not a single consequence at all. In addition, Clausewitz asserts that wars are representative of the interests of the whole community and manifestations of policy in a country.
In the book8 ,Plan of War, Chapter6 presents Clausewits' most famous argument that is about 'war is nothing but a continuation of political intercourse.'
He says in his book that people usually tend to think that War is derived from the disagreement of bargaining. However, War is a continuation of political intercourse because war is a part of politics, and just like he says, the instrument of policy.
Here I note that we really have to remember that war is not a single consequence at all. In addition, Clausewitz asserts that wars are representative of the interests of the whole community and manifestations of policy in a country.
6/27/2008
Women's Perspective on World Politics
It is interesting for me to see how women's perspectives on International Relations are claimed. For example, I am showing Valentine M. Moghadam who is a sociologist.
She published "Globalizing Women: Transnational Feminist Networks" in 2005. (http://www.iranian.com/Books/2005/September/Global/index.html)
In her book, she examines the correlation between gendered process and globalization.
She published "Globalizing Women: Transnational Feminist Networks" in 2005. (http://www.iranian.com/Books/2005/September/Global/index.html)
In her book, she examines the correlation between gendered process and globalization.
6/26/2008
Carl von Clausewitz
Have you ever heard of his name? This was my first opportunity to know him, in spite of his prominent figure. He is a soldier, military historian and thinker who has had a great influence on strategist. What made him significant figure is the book he wrote, 'On War.'
According to the website for Carl von Clausewitz, it says that there are just two writers who dealt with war and the strategy for it. They are Thucydides and Carl von Clausewitz. Carl von Clausewitz analysis the theory of warfare and of strategy. And I found that his book is applied in business school to learn business strategy.
I cannot wait to read the book which has still been attracting a lot of people in different fields.
According to the website for Carl von Clausewitz, it says that there are just two writers who dealt with war and the strategy for it. They are Thucydides and Carl von Clausewitz. Carl von Clausewitz analysis the theory of warfare and of strategy. And I found that his book is applied in business school to learn business strategy.
I cannot wait to read the book which has still been attracting a lot of people in different fields.
6/25/2008
Two Editors of My Textbook
I think it is pretty late to do, I have counted the number of people who are appeared in my textbook, 'Essential Readings in World Politics.' It is edited by Karen A. Mingst and Jack L. Snyder.
The total number is 51! Until now I have gained some pieces of information about 20 people in the textbook. Now let me introduce some of them here.
First, I am writing about the editors. Karen A. Mingst is a professor at Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky. Her areas of specialization is International Cooperation, International Organization, Non-government Organizations, and International Law. She edited the first and second edition as well.
(http://www.uky.edu/PattersonSchool/faculty.htm)
Jack L. Snyder is the Robert and Renee Belfer Professor of International Relations in the political science department at Columbia University. (http://www.sipa.columbia.edu/academics/directory/jls6-fac.html)
His articles concentrating on democratization and war, imperial overstretch, war crimes tribunals versus amnesties as strategies for preventing atrocities, international relations theory after September 11, and anarchy and culture can be seen in many journals such as Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and World Politics.
The total number is 51! Until now I have gained some pieces of information about 20 people in the textbook. Now let me introduce some of them here.
First, I am writing about the editors. Karen A. Mingst is a professor at Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky. Her areas of specialization is International Cooperation, International Organization, Non-government Organizations, and International Law. She edited the first and second edition as well.
(http://www.uky.edu/PattersonSchool/faculty.htm)
Jack L. Snyder is the Robert and Renee Belfer Professor of International Relations in the political science department at Columbia University. (http://www.sipa.columbia.edu/academics/directory/jls6-fac.html)
His articles concentrating on democratization and war, imperial overstretch, war crimes tribunals versus amnesties as strategies for preventing atrocities, international relations theory after September 11, and anarchy and culture can be seen in many journals such as Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and World Politics.
6/24/2008
Immanuel Wallerstein
Immanuel Wallerstein
is distinguished sociology professor at Yale University.I add here the useful website to reference his previous articles.
In my textbook, the extract from his work 'Comparative Studies in Society and History' is included.
We are supported to learn his theory which the international system is a capitalist world system. In addition, we will learn his classification of three types of states: the core, the periphery, and the semi-periphery.
6/23/2008
The Second Feature of Political Realism
I am adding one more feature of political realism on my blog.
Hans Morgenthau describes political realism as the theory which knows moral principle. Hewe I found the correlation Thomas Hobbes' human nature and the idea Hans Morgenthau analyse. When I studied Thomas Hobbes, I found that he believes that human nature is self-centered and emotional, although that he believes that human beings has reason.
By the way, Hans Morgenthau shows us that political realism knows the importance of moral principle of political action. However he asserts that moral principles of political action cannot be applied to the international politics.
I suppose that the reason is every state has to survive in the world, and surviving in the conflictual world is the immediate goal for every state as Hans Morgenthau explain.
Hans Morgenthau describes political realism as the theory which knows moral principle. Hewe I found the correlation Thomas Hobbes' human nature and the idea Hans Morgenthau analyse. When I studied Thomas Hobbes, I found that he believes that human nature is self-centered and emotional, although that he believes that human beings has reason.
By the way, Hans Morgenthau shows us that political realism knows the importance of moral principle of political action. However he asserts that moral principles of political action cannot be applied to the international politics.
I suppose that the reason is every state has to survive in the world, and surviving in the conflictual world is the immediate goal for every state as Hans Morgenthau explain.
6/22/2008
The First Feature of Political Realism
I want to add another relavant knowledge on the basic feature of political realism.
Based on Hans Morgenthau's theory, political realism thinks that politics is conducted based on objective laws in each country. The word 'objective' is similar to the meaning of the word 'goal' or 'aim.' Thus, objective law is the law established to acheive aims or to follow policy in each country. Also he explains that each country's objective law is established based on their conception of humasn nature. Human nature is humasn beings' hypothetical condition in absence of government or rulers. Because the conception of humasn nature varys depending on societies, laws are different in each society in the world.
Based on Hans Morgenthau's theory, political realism thinks that politics is conducted based on objective laws in each country. The word 'objective' is similar to the meaning of the word 'goal' or 'aim.' Thus, objective law is the law established to acheive aims or to follow policy in each country. Also he explains that each country's objective law is established based on their conception of humasn nature. Human nature is humasn beings' hypothetical condition in absence of government or rulers. Because the conception of humasn nature varys depending on societies, laws are different in each society in the world.
6/21/2008
Worth Reading!!
Around noon Dr.Suguru Araki stopped by at the Cross Cultual Education Center in which we are staying for stdying, eating, chatting, and listeing to our 老師. By the way, when Dr.Araki came in the office, he told me very important points you cannot miss with regard to reading textbooks.
Now I am reading my textbook 'Essential Readings in World Politics' which is the compilation of many political theorists' essays or documents.
What I learned from Dr.Araki is:
① Read throgh body texts in the textbook and know the main points of them
② Scan notes and references on the back page of body paragraphs to advance your research.
That is much more important to do than ①.
If you are planning to go to a graduate school, it is the essential ability to deepen your knowledge and write your thesis in the future.
This is what Dr.Araki insisted. Although I am now in Step1, reading the main body in the textbook, I hope I can take one step forward for strengthening myself.
Now I am reading my textbook 'Essential Readings in World Politics' which is the compilation of many political theorists' essays or documents.
What I learned from Dr.Araki is:
① Read throgh body texts in the textbook and know the main points of them
② Scan notes and references on the back page of body paragraphs to advance your research.
That is much more important to do than ①.
If you are planning to go to a graduate school, it is the essential ability to deepen your knowledge and write your thesis in the future.
This is what Dr.Araki insisted. Although I am now in Step1, reading the main body in the textbook, I hope I can take one step forward for strengthening myself.
6/17/2008
The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy
While I was serching the Web for John Mearsheimer, I found his notorious book, 'The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy.' The work was also written by stephen walt . First I tried to see who John Mearsheimer is on Google Image Search, which resulted in knowing the book. Although I have not known exactly the contents of the book, I was attracted by the book. It is because I want to know the reason of strong tie between the U.S and Israel. The book hints at understanding the strong tie between them. The book was published on August 27 in 2007.
6/16/2008
Manifest Destiny - America's policy
'Manifest Destiny' is the significant term to understand America's diplomacy. The meaning of the term is that the America shouhld expand their territory and transmit their culture, ideas, and systems to uncivilized lands. The term represents America's character in politics. Thus, based on this idea the America think that expansion is obvious(manifest) and certain(destiny). 'Manifest Destiny' was used to justify America's expansion from the East to the West in the North American continent.
This idea is very important and key term to view even today's America's politics.
This idea is very important and key term to view even today's America's politics.
6/15/2008
J. Ann Tickner - Feminism perspective
Today I want to introduce a scholar, J. Ann Ticker. I found it interesting that she is a feminist international relations theorist. For example, she criticizes Hans Morgenthau because he is talking about just men’s character in politics. J. Ann Ticker’s interest in the field of International Relations is national security. Therefore, she analyzes the lack of women’s capability with respect to national security.
6/14/2008
Alexander Wendt
Now I am reading an article in my textbook. The article ‘Anarchy is what states make of it’ was written by Profesor Alexander Wendt in the
With regard to his article, he proposed the inquiry about anarchy in international politics in it.
(22) Please list the four scholars who have had the greatest impact on the field of international relations over the past 20 years. N=752
| Rank | Names | Responses | Percent |
| 1 | Robert Keohane | 422 | 56 |
| 2 | Kenneth Waltz | 311 | 41 |
| 3 | Alexander Wendt | 248 | 33 |
| 4 | Samuel Huntington | 155 | 21 |
| 5 | John Mearsheimer | 138 | 18 |
| 6 | Joseph Nye | 125 | 17 |
| 7 | Robert Jervis | 113 | 15 |
| 8 | Bruce Bueno de Mesquita | 109 | 14 |
| 9 | Bruce Russett | 83 | 11 |
| 10 | Robert Gilpin | 78 | 10 |
| 11 | Peter Katzenstein | 69 | 9 |
| 12 | Stephen Krasner | 68 | 9 |
| 13 | James Rosenau | 60 | 8 |
| 14 | John Ruggie | 49 | 7 |
| 15 | Michael Doyle | 42 | 6 |
| 16 | James Fearon | 41 | 5 |
| 17 | Immanuel Wallerstein | 31 | 4 |
| 18 | Robert Cox | 28 | 4 |
| 19 | Hans Morgenthau | 27 | 4 |
| 20 | Francis Fukuyama | 26 | 3 |
| 21 | J. David Singer | 21 | 3 |
| 22 | Stephen Walt | 19 | 3 |
| 23 | Jack Snyder | 17 | 2 |
| 23 | Robert Axelrod | 17 | 2 |
| 23 | | 17 | 2 |
6/12/2008
British Inconsistent Promise
The MacMahon-Hussein Correspondence and Balfour Declaration of 1917 are the inconsistent promise British made aiming at settling Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is said to be a seed of the long-lasting conflict in Palestinian area.
The MacMahon-Hussein Correspondence is the letters exchanged between Husayn Bin Ali and Henry MacMahon, British High Commissioner in Egypt. This correspondence ensured the Arab independence from Ottoman empire and the right to live in Palestinian area.In contrast, Balfour Declaration of 1917 promised Palestinian area to Jews. The declaration was addressed by Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour.
These two are now remembered as a trigger events for the never-ending Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
6/11/2008
Guyana - The report of HIV
In the morning I watched a TV program which was focusing on the problem of HIV in Guyana. I was amazed at witnessing the situation how HIV is infected among people there. The main industories are forestory and gold mining in Guyana. However, people cannot earn enough money to live their lives just by engaging in forestory. It is because the government announced that it aims at protecting forest as much as possible under the influence of global warming. Thus, whether you work in a gold mine or not descides your life in the future.
Because of the reason, most men work in a gold mine and stay there leaving their family in the towns. In the gold mine, there is also a small town in which gold miner can drink alcohol at night.
After the sun goes down, some young women approach the small town to have a sexual relationship with the men. Above all, there are tourists to buy gold jewelry. So, lots of people gather at one place, and the risk of being infected becomes higher and higher.
The sad thing is that they cannot change their job because there is little chances to be hired. For feeding their family, it is the best way to work in a gold mine.
Poverty is not just a motter of lacking of money. Poverty brings other serious issues which directly threaten people's lives
Because of the reason, most men work in a gold mine and stay there leaving their family in the towns. In the gold mine, there is also a small town in which gold miner can drink alcohol at night.
After the sun goes down, some young women approach the small town to have a sexual relationship with the men. Above all, there are tourists to buy gold jewelry. So, lots of people gather at one place, and the risk of being infected becomes higher and higher.
The sad thing is that they cannot change their job because there is little chances to be hired. For feeding their family, it is the best way to work in a gold mine.
Poverty is not just a motter of lacking of money. Poverty brings other serious issues which directly threaten people's lives
6/10/2008
Islael and Palestina
Today I watched 'MUNICH', movie directed by Steven Spielberg.
It depicted Munich Massacre occured during summer Olympics in Munich in 1972. 11 Israeli members were killed by Black September, Palestinian members of the fedayeen.
Because I did not know the background of Israel-Palestina conflict, I did not enjoy fully watching the DVD. Therefore, I want to understand the conflict, and I am writing down what I have found.
Until the 2oth centry, the land of Israel was occupied by Ottoman Empire.
And gradually, Jews livining mostly in Europ came back to their homeland. The first wave of Jews coming homeland is named as the First Aliyah began in 1881. The wave continues to the Second, Third, Forth, and Fifth Aliyah. When Jews came back to their land, the conflict between Jews and Arabs became serious and never-ending story.
The cause of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict known today is directed not only at religious matter but also British government and the UN which devided the land for Israeli and Palestinian Arab. After Ottoman Empire gave up the land of Israel, British made it its territory and ruled for 25 years. When British realized the eternal problem rooted in the region, it withdrew from Palestine.
Next time I will focus on the way of deviding the region by the UN Partitian and the Balfour Decralation.
It depicted Munich Massacre occured during summer Olympics in Munich in 1972. 11 Israeli members were killed by Black September, Palestinian members of the fedayeen.
Because I did not know the background of Israel-Palestina conflict, I did not enjoy fully watching the DVD. Therefore, I want to understand the conflict, and I am writing down what I have found.
Until the 2oth centry, the land of Israel was occupied by Ottoman Empire.
And gradually, Jews livining mostly in Europ came back to their homeland. The first wave of Jews coming homeland is named as the First Aliyah began in 1881. The wave continues to the Second, Third, Forth, and Fifth Aliyah. When Jews came back to their land, the conflict between Jews and Arabs became serious and never-ending story.
The cause of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict known today is directed not only at religious matter but also British government and the UN which devided the land for Israeli and Palestinian Arab. After Ottoman Empire gave up the land of Israel, British made it its territory and ruled for 25 years. When British realized the eternal problem rooted in the region, it withdrew from Palestine.
Next time I will focus on the way of deviding the region by the UN Partitian and the Balfour Decralation.
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