Plan Today:Plan Today:(Neo-)Marxist & Feminist (Neo-)Marxist & Feminist

Approaches to IRApproaches to IR1.1. Completing group discussion of Completing group discussion of

postcolonial theory vs. postcolonial theory vs. Marxism.Marxism.

2.2. Evaluation of Marxist and Neo-Evaluation of Marxist and Neo-Marxist approaches.Marxist approaches.

3.3. Introduction to feminist Introduction to feminist concepts and critique of concepts and critique of traditional IR. traditional IR.

Group Discussion Group Discussion ActivityActivity

What are the similarities and What are the similarities and differences you observe between differences you observe between Marxist approaches and Postcolonial Marxist approaches and Postcolonial theory (or specifically Said’s theory (or specifically Said’s Orientalism argument)?Orientalism argument)?

Break into groups of 5-6 students. Break into groups of 5-6 students. Discuss for 7 minutes, then report Discuss for 7 minutes, then report back to class.back to class.

Evaluation of (Neo)Marxism Evaluation of (Neo)Marxism

as Theoryas Theory1.1. Explanatory Power – Mixed.Explanatory Power – Mixed.

1.1. Accuracy: not great.Accuracy: not great.1.1. Make sweeping claims to which we Make sweeping claims to which we

can find important empirical can find important empirical exceptions.exceptions.

2.2. Generality: very good.Generality: very good.1.1. Highly universal claims that can be Highly universal claims that can be

applied to many contexts, global and applied to many contexts, global and domestic.domestic.

Evaluation of (Neo)Marxism Evaluation of (Neo)Marxism

as Theoryas Theory2.2. Predictive Power – Mixed.Predictive Power – Mixed.

1.1. Does have capacity for Does have capacity for predictions.predictions.

2.2. Economic dynamics of globalized Economic dynamics of globalized capitalism well predicted.capitalism well predicted.

3.3. But not a good predictor of But not a good predictor of interstate war. interstate war.

Evaluation of (Neo)Marxism Evaluation of (Neo)Marxism

as Theoryas Theory3.3. Scope – very wide.Scope – very wide.

1.1. Can analyze many patterns in Can analyze many patterns in domestic and international domestic and international politics.politics.

2.2. But cannot cover areas of IR But cannot cover areas of IR where class struggle not a where class struggle not a significant factor.significant factor.

Evaluation of (Neo)Marxism Evaluation of (Neo)Marxism

as Theoryas Theory4.4. Self-reflection and Engagement Self-reflection and Engagement

with Other Theories – Mixed. with Other Theories – Mixed. 1.1. Like realists, can be somewhat Like realists, can be somewhat

defensive and claim importance of defensive and claim importance of explaining a few big phenomena.explaining a few big phenomena.

2.2. Yet there has been innovation in Yet there has been innovation in Marxist approaches in response to Marxist approaches in response to criticism.criticism.

More institutionalist than actor-oriented.

Gendered concepts of masculinity/ femininity and distribution of power between men & women shape international political outcomes.

Typically critical theory more than explanatory with causal arguments.

One causal argument: masculine concepts of security and development policy choices that harm women and larger societies.

Gender: Characteristics of men &

women that are socially constructed, not biologically determined.

Something is “gendered” when has systematically different consequences for men and women.

MasculineMasculine FeminineFeminine

AutonomousAutonomous DependentDependent

LeadersLeaders FollowersFollowers

PublicPublic PrivatePrivate

Reasoned, ObjectiveReasoned, Objective Emotional, Irrational, Emotional, Irrational, SubjectiveSubjective

Jacqui True: Traditional IR studies of “high

politics”: no reference to impact on real people.

IR a “public” sphere (masculine) excluding “private” realm (feminine).

Gendered definition of state matters excluded women from participation.

Women always fundamentally affected by IR – but those effects ignored by men’s study of it.

E.g. environmental degradation harms women’s subsistence farming.

E.g. globalization & urbanization increased stress in household increased domestic violence.

Women affect IR in informal and important ways.

“The personal is international” (Enloe):

E.g. Obedient, entertaining diplomats’ wives to help diplomatic relationships.

E.g. Women’s sexual services to convince soldiers of manliness.

Ann Tickner critique of Morgenthau:

Definition of power as domination (masculine) vs. power as acting in concert (feminine).