Eng 202
Wk 11 HO 1
International Relations Theory by D. Gold & St. McGlinchey
Task A. Read the following sentences. With a partner, try to guess the meaning of the word in bold.
Do NOT use a dictionary.
1. Once such a discovery takes place, a ‘paradigm shift’ results and the former way of thinking is
replaced with a new one.
2. Liberals have faith in the idea that the permanent cessation of war is an attainable goal.
3. Realists call the world ‘international anarchy’ as it has no sovereign to give it order.
4. Critical theories provide voice to individuals who have frequently been marginalized, particularly
women and those from the Global South.
5. Marxists urge to question the legitimacy of the state; so, for them emancipation from the state is
often part of the wider critical agenda.
6. Postcolonialism originated during the Cold War period when much activity in the international
relations centred around decolonisation and the ambition to undo the legacies of European
imperialism.
Task B. Look at the following interpretations of the United Nations and its activities. With a partner,
match them with the theories on the left.
Theory Interpretation
1. Liberalism G A. The world is anarchic and states will eventually resort to war despite the
efforts of IOs when they become an obstacle to national interests of powerful
states.
2. Realism B. Any IO, including the UN, works to promote the interests of the business class
and is dominated by imperial powers.
3. Constructivis C. We would look at how key terms are used by the United Nations and what
m they mean. ‘Peacekeeping’ or ‘peace making’?
4. Marxism D. We would look to how those in positions of power (politicians, officials,
delegates) perpetuate a discourse of masculinity.
5. Postcolonialis E. We can study the emergence of new forms and examine the activities of those
m who are spreading new ideas.
6. Feminism F. We would argue that the discourse perpetuated by the UN is one based on
cultural, national and religious privilege which promotes a form of continued
colonial exploitation of the Global South.
7. Poststructura G. International organisations (IOs) may not be perfect, but they help the world
lism find alternatives to war through trade and diplomacy.
Eng 202
Wk 11 HO 1
Task C. Look through the article “International Relations Theory” by D. Gold and St. McGlinchey and fill in
the table as in the example below. Work in groups of three.
Theory Approach Main actors Main principles
1. Liberalism Traditional States States that share liberal values should have no
reason for going to war against one another
The more liberal states there were in the world,
the more peaceful it would become
Permanent cessation of war is an attainable goal
2. Traditional
3. The Middle
Ground
4. The Middle
Ground
5. Critical
6. Critical
7. Critical
8. Critical
Eng 202
Wk 11 HO 1
Answer Key
Task B
Theory Interpretation
1. Liberalism H. International organisations (IOs) may not be perfect, but they help the
world find alternatives to war through trade and diplomacy.
2. Realism I. The world is anarchic and states will eventually resort to war despite the
efforts of IOs when they become an obstacle to national interests of
powerful states.
3. Constructivism J. We can study the emergence of new forms and examine the activities of
those who are spreading new ideas.
4. Marxism K. Any IO, including the UN, works to promote the interests of the business
class and is dominated by imperial powers.
5. Postcolonialism L. We would argue that the discourse perpetuated by the United Nations is
one based on cultural, national and religious privilege which promotes a
form of continued colonial exploitation of the Global South.
6. Feminism M. We would look to how those in positions of power (politicians, officials,
delegates) perpetuate a discourse of masculinity.
7. Poststructuralism N. We would look at how key terms are used by the United Nations and
what they mean. ‘Peacekeeping’ or ‘peace making’?
