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 (1919-1939)
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