Lecture notes for 4/14/99

Recall that a strong national economy provides governmental stability.
     -The government must also ensure the people that the government does, in fact,
          represent the people and provide for its citizens.

National defense/military capabilities
     -When does the use of force become legitimate outside U.S. borders?
          -1)  The use of force must protect vital interests.
               -ex.  genocide in Kosovo
                    -The genocide is relevant (and thus, legitimate reason to use force)
                         to the U.S. because the European economy is tied in with the economy
                         of the U.S.
          -2)  Must have a clearly definied military objective(s).
               -ex.  One of the military objectives in the Gulf War was to liberate Kuwait.
          -3)  Must have a sufficient military force to end conflicts quickly and decisively.
          -4)  The military action must have the support of the American people.
          -5)  The military force should be used only as a last resort.
               -Prior to using military force, the nations should try to use:
                    -talks and negotiations
                    -economic sanctions
                    -diplomacy
     -Military force is mothing more than an extension of politics.  It is a political
          decision with a goal or agenda.
     -Political justification:  when does a nation use force?
          -1)  Involves an important political agenda
               -It must demonstrate resolve and commitment in crisis situations.
          -2)  In support of the other democratic nations
               -ex.  Cold War (demoncracy or communism?)
          -3)  Defends U.S. citizens around the world
          -4)  Strikes out against terrorism
          -5)  Peacekeeping
               -ex.  peacekeeping in Bosnia
               -Kosovo (support of peace agreements)
               -Somalia (peacekeeping in hostile situations; humanitarian aid)

International politics:  struggle for power between nations
Balance of power system (BPS):  governed international politics  through the 18th and 19th
     centuries
Collective security
     -replaced BPS
     -Unlike BPS, it involves the economy, trade, mutual agreements, etc.
     -It led to the development of the League of Nations and the UN (United Nations).
     -Problem:  collective security didn't work.  There was no international legitimacy because
          when the League of Nations was challenged, the League of Nations balked.
          -ex.  Japanese aggression in Far East, Hitler and the Nazis, etc.
More in the next lecture...