Reflections on the Levels of Ideas & Interests (Week 3.2)

We spent all week reading different theories about how ideas and interests are defined, intertwined and dramatized. I thought I had a good handle on how I considered the two to interact but then the Professor's question at the beginning of class stumped me and I was further bewildered as to why I was stumped by such an obvious question: What is the role of ideas in International Relations?

Individuals and groups can describe ideas how they wish, but what really makes a difference in our course (and hopefully future jobs) is how ideas can affect international relations. I don't think we have necessarily discussed how they can affect relations other than exposing ourselves to the right vocabulary to use when discussing ideas and acknowledging that there are conflicting views on how to define both ideas and interests.

For example, the 2x2 matrices in the lectures was fascinating and revealed a lot to me regarding how action is driven on the international/world stage. However, I have to think that following the stereotypes and generalizations of those cells can lead to different actions for individuals vs. democratic governments vs. monarchs vs. dictatorships, etc. Therefore, I think there must be some different levels of these matrices and some drastic differences as to how they are played out.

For example, the professor mentioned that it might be easier for an outsider to guess the actions of a state rather than an individual. This can be illustrated by our current refugee crisis and past immigrant issues. The United States is a country of immigrants and we all play a part in its 'melting pot' or 'salad bowl' mentalities. I like to think that the majority of us welcome diversity - our individuals have a permeable (soft) border and attunement as we pursue a common purpose of freedom and peace. However, at a national level it is different. It is very hard to enter our country uninvited and without proper documentation. Even if a person enters undocumented, their life will be wrought with difficulties. In addition, we don't allow any other countries to tell us what to do or how to do it as our preferences are often presented with the utmost stubbornness and autonomy.

Circling back to my original struggle with answering the question at the beginning of class this week - I think that the role of ideas in international relations depends on the actors.