๐ IR Theories & Japan
Lecture 02: Theoretical Frameworks & Japan’s International Role
โ๏ธ Realist Theory
Focus
Primarily on power, self-interest, and security
Assumptions
States are the main actors, and the international system is anarchic
Key Points
- States seek to maximize their own interests and security
- Competition and conflict are inherent due to scarce resources
- Balance of power is crucial for stability
๐ค Liberal Theory
Focus
Emphasizes cooperation, institutions, and diplomacy
Assumptions
States, international organizations, and non-state actors play significant roles
Key Points
- Cooperation through international organizations can lead to peace
- Economic interdependence promotes peace
- Democracy and human rights are valued
๐ญ Constructivist Theory
Focus
Highlights the role of ideas, norms, and identities
Assumptions
Beliefs and perceptions shape state behavior
Key Points
- Actors are influenced by social constructs and shared beliefs
- Changing identities and norms can lead to shifts in IR
๐ฐ Marxist Theory
Focus
Emphasizes economic structures and class struggle
Assumptions
Economic factors drive international relations
Key Points
- Capitalist exploitation and imperialism play central roles
- Conflict arises from economic disparities and class interests
โ๏ธ Feminist Theory
Focus
Considers gender dynamics and inequalities in international relations
Assumptions
Gender shapes power dynamics and policies
Key Points
- Examines how women’s roles and perspectives are marginalized
- Advocates for gender-inclusive and equitable policies
๐ค Individual Level
Focuses on the behavior and characteristics of individual actors, such as leaders and decision-makers. Examines how personal beliefs, perceptions, and actions of individuals impact international relations and foreign policy choices.
๐๏ธ National Level
Looks at how a country’s internal factors influence its international interactions. Includes examining political systems, economic conditions, military capabilities, and domestic policies that affect a nation’s international behavior.
๐ International Level
Focuses on the broader context of international relations. Examines interactions among nations, international system structure, alliances, international organizations, power distribution, and global norms that shape state behavior.
๐ฏ Late 19th – Early 20th Century
Following the Meiji Restoration (1868), Japan rapidly industrialized and modernized, transforming from a feudal society to a major world power. Victories in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895) and Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) demonstrated Japan’s might to the world, challenging the Eurocentric order. However, colonial and expansionist policies, culminating in WWII, led to initial ostracization (ๆๅ ซๅ) in the global community.
๐๏ธ Post World War II
After WWII, Japan was occupied by Allied powers and underwent demilitarization and democratization. The adoption of a new constitution in 1947, particularly Article 9 (renouncing war), marked Japan’s commitment to peaceful international cooperation. During the Cold War, Japan aligned with the US and Western countries, becoming vital in the capitalist bloc and rising to become the world’s second-largest economy by the 1980s.
๐ Recent Decades
Japan has been an active participant in global economic institutions like the G7, G20, World Bank, and IMF. It’s the leading contributor to the UN’s regular budget and increasingly participates in UN peacekeeping missions. Despite economic stagnation and China’s rise, Japan continues as a significant player in global trade, promoting free trade including the CPTPP after US withdrawal.
๐ฏ Japan’s Current Position
In facing China’s rising military and economic power, Japan has begun reinterpreting its post-WWII pacifist constitution to allow for a more assertive role in regional security. Japan actively addresses global issues like climate change (Paris Agreement signatory, pledged carbon neutrality by 2050). In IR theory terms, Japan balances realism (maintaining national interests, strengthening Self-Defense Forces, US alliance) and liberalism (commitment to international institutions, international law, economic interdependence).
Self-interest
Pursuit of one’s own personal or national advantage.
Balance of Power
Equilibrium in international relations where no single state dominates others.
Anarchy
A state of disorder or absence of central authority in the international system.
Security Dilemma
When one state’s security efforts unintentionally increase other states’ insecurity.
Economic Interdependence
The mutual reliance of countries on each other’s economies.
Social Constructs
Concepts or ideas created and accepted by society.
Class Struggle
Conflict between social classes, often related to economic disparities.
Imperialism
A policy of extending a nation’s power through territorial acquisition or political control.
Gender Dynamics
The interactions, roles, and relationships between genders.
Pacifism
A belief in peaceful resolution of conflicts and opposition to war and militarism.
Alliance
A formal agreement between states for mutual support and defense.
CPTPP
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership – a trade agreement promoting economic integration among Pacific countries.