The class discussion of Ideas vs. Interests was very helpful. I enjoyed listening to everyone’s definition of “ideas” and appreciate the different yet similar, as it reflects the differences seen in the readings. I thought it was helpful in looking at “interests” as material and “ideas” as non-material.
Goldstein and Keohane focus on separating interests and ideas, focusing on ideas and how they are the framework from which guides international discussion and policy. They mention that changes in principled views and world views have a huge impact on political action and yet at the same time they are less likely to be changed.
In light of this discussion, I remembered a recent article about Pope Francis and an ongoing disagreement he’s had with Turkey. Beginning last year and again this year, the Pope “has urged the world to never forget the Ottoman-era slaughter of some 1.5 million Armenians [Christians] which he termed a genocide” (Kennedy, M). By making this statement publicly, the Pope angered the Turks who disagree with the Pope’s view of a historical event. Although we see disagreement of how to define this political event, it is possible to see the differing world views when it comes in religion setting a foundation or framework for this disagreement. Looking at the event through a religious lens definitely impacts how it could be viewed and what a nation may pursue or be willing to concede. In light of the Pope’s comments, the Turkish president removed his ambassador from the Vatican, thus causing further tension.
So relating this to Goldstein and Keohane, I find it very difficult to disagree with them in this situation where ideas as beliefs provide a basis for elements such as religion and human rights violations take center stage in this political relations dispute.
Kennedy, M. (2016). Pope Francis Urges World To Never Forget Armenian Genocide Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/06/25/483507441/pope-francis-urges-world-to-never-forget-armenian-genocide
Thank you for the great real-world example. However, I think that Goldstein & Keohane suggest that both ideas & interests explain human activity, not just ideas (beliefs). In this example, it might have been a belief that inspired the Pope to publicly illuminate the genocide but I am sure that he had previously calculated the response from Turkey and decided it could or world help achieve his goals whether it be in the short term or long run. The example you chose is very interesting on a different level too because it is contrasting the actions of an individual and a country. As the professor mentioned in class, it is often easier to predict the ideas and interests of an individual.
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine, thanks for your input. This has been confusing topic for me, but I believe you are correct in how Goldstein and Keohane use both interests and ideas. You make a good point that individuals are often easier to predict and I do not doubt it was a calculated response by the Pope to stir up controversy over the term of "genocide."
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