Chapter Four: International Politics from a Structural Perspective

Exercises

Preferences, Choices, and Common Games
Common Games and Payoffs
Reading and Interpreting Strategic-Form Games

Comparing Views on International Relations

Read these excerpts of Machiavelli's The Prince, Wilson's “Fourteen Points,” and Marx's The Communist Manifesto. Use them to respond to the questions below.

Classical Realism: Nicolo Machiavelli's The Prince

Utopian Liberalism: Woodrow Wilson's “Fourteen Points”

Marxism: Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto

  • Should states do as they promise? That is, should they comply with international law? Compare the views of Machiavelli and Wilson.


  • What role do armaments and weaponry have in ensuring state security? Contrast the views of Wilson and Machiavelli.


  • What does Wilson believe about the role of trade and economic affairs in international relations? What does Marx believe about this?


  • Marx and Wilson agree on the role of nationalism and internationalism. Summarize their consensus view.


  • Why is it difficult to compare Marx and Machiavelli? (Hint: Who are the actors in each theory?)


  • What is Machiavelli's prescription for peace?


  • What is Wilson's prescription for peace?


  • What is Marx's prescription for peace?