University Of Texas. GOV 312L /GOV 312L Midterm Exam 3 Review. Latest 2020/21. GRADED A

What is hegemonic stability theory and how does it relate to the provision of public goods and the free rider problem in international relations? a. US as indispensable nation: is US leadership necessary/beneficial for international politics? b. Can approach this question through hegemonic stability theory i. Concentration of global power facilitates globalization and peace Ex: post 1945 period ii. Equalized distribution of global power among many states facilitates competition, war, and restrictions on trade • Example: Interwar period () c. In domestic politics, free rider problem solved via coercion as state collects resources (taxes) to supply public goods i. – Large actors absorbs costs of public goods on own because acquire sufficient compensatory benefits d. International politics lacks someone to force people into making contributions e. Large power has to supply at their own cost to benefit the public good i. Examples: international economic stability, protection of global commons (sea lanes and the environment) 2. What is the central claim of hegemonic stability theory as it pertains to the economic system? Explain and provide examples of how concentration of economic power in a dominant state (the U.S.) has promoted a prosperous international economy. a. Concentration of economic power in one state Increases likelihood of an open international economic system and economic growth for all b. Dominant state provides public goods that are necessary for international economy to flourish c. Market for distressed goods, provide currency, access to credit, protect shipping (naval power) 3. What is the security variant of hegemonic stability theory? Explain and provide examples of how concentration of military power in a dominant state (the U.S.) has promoted a stable and peaceful international political system. How is the hegemonic stability theory related to the idea of the U.S. as the indispensable nation? What happens, according to this theory, when the U.S. declines in power?  Security variant: Polices the status quo; o As a hegemon we confront any challenges to the status quo o Interwar lessons: US withdrawal from European order in 1920 leads to buck passing in Europe; weak efforts to contain Nazi Germany and, ultimately, war • Public good as cooperative security system to preserve new European S o US not withdrawing from Europe after World War II  If US does not meet the challenge, no one else will Ex: ISIS (indispensable