International Relation - Lecture - Chapter 2, Slides of International Relations

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Chapter 2: International Politics

MSc. Tran Vu Trung

December 2025

Chapter 2 Roadmap

What is “international politics”? Core concepts: sovereignty, anarchy, power, legitimacy Actors: states and non-state actors System structure: polarity, balance, security dilemmas Interaction: diplomacy, bargaining, credibility, signaling Coercion: economic statecraft and (limited) force Domestic-international link: two-level games Case analysis templates + review questions

Why it matters (practical)

War/peace decisions and crisis escalation Trade, sanctions, technology control, and energy security Alliances, diplomacy, and global institutions Norms (what is “acceptable”) and legitimacy (who is believed)

Core Concept 1: Sovereignty

Sovereignty: supreme authority within a territory. Implications: States guard autonomy; resist external interference. Recognition and legitimacy are political resources.

Core Concept 3: Power

Power: ability to influence others’ behavior/outcomes. Sources: Military (force projection, deterrence) Economic (markets, finance, sanctions leverage) Political/Institutional (agenda setting, coalition building) Ideational (legitimacy, norms, narratives)

Hard, Soft, Smart Power

Hard power: coercion via military/economic punishment. Soft power: attraction and legitimacy that shape preferences. Smart power: context-specific combination of tools.

Actors in International Politics

States (central) Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) Multinational corporations (MNCs) Cities/regions, armed groups, individuals, epistemic communities

States as Strategic Actors

Goals often include: security, prosperity, influence, and legitimacy. Constraints: external threats and alliances, domestic politics and resources, rules, norms, and reputational costs.

Levels of Analysis

System level: structure, polarity, distribution of capabilities State level: regime type, institutions, interests, economy Individual level: leaders, beliefs, biases, perception

System Structure: Polarity

Unipolar: one dominant power Bipolar: two major powers Multipolar: several major powers Polarity shapes: alliance patterns, crisis stability, bargaining leverage.

Security Dilemma (why peace can be hard)

Defensive steps can appear offensive. Uncertainty about intentions fuels arms racing and mistrust. Mitigation options: transparency, confidence-building measures, institutions.

Interdependence: cooperation and vulnerability

Economic ties can increase gains from cooperation. But also create vulnerabilities (chokepoints, supply chains, finance). Politics decides whether interdependence becomes “peace” or “weapon.”

Information Problems (big driver of conflict)

Incomplete information about: capabilities, intentions, resolve (willingness to pay costs). Leads to misperception, miscalculation, and bargaining failure.

Commitment Problems

A promise today may not be credible tomorrow if incentives change. Especially dangerous when: power is shifting, territory/security are at stake, enforcement is weak.