Question 1

Compare and contrast structuralism with mercantilism and liberalism in the following areas:
a. the dominant actors
b. political versus economic motivations behind actors' behavior
c. the role of the state in the economy

Accepted Answer

Structuralism, mercantilism, and liberalism are all theories that seek to explain the behavior of actors in the international political economy. Each theory has its own unique perspective on the dominant actors, their motivations, and the role of the state in the economy.

In terms of dominant actors, structuralism focuses on the role of multinational corporations and global financial institutions as the primary actors in the international political economy. These actors are seen as having significant power and influence over economic policies and outcomes. Mercantilism, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of the state as the dominant actor in the economy. States are seen as pursuing policies that prioritize the accumulation of wealth and power through trade and economic dominance. Liberalism, meanwhile, emphasizes the role of individuals and private businesses as the dominant actors in the economy. Liberalism advocates for free markets and minimal state intervention in economic affairs.

In terms of political versus economic motivations behind actors' behavior, structuralism argues that actors are primarily motivated by economic interests, particularly the pursuit of profit and market dominance. This perspective emphasizes the role of economic structures and power imbalances in shaping actors' behavior. Mercantilism, on the other hand, emphasizes the political motivations behind actors' behavior. States are seen as pursuing policies that prioritize national interests and power, often at the expense of other states. Liberalism, meanwhile, emphasizes the economic motivations behind actors' behavior, arguing that individuals and businesses are primarily motivated by self-interest and the pursuit of wealth.

In terms of the role of the state in the economy, structuralism sees the state as playing a significant role in shaping economic outcomes, particularly through policies that regulate and control multinational corporations and financial institutions. Mercantilism, as previously mentioned, emphasizes the central role of the state in the economy, advocating for protectionist policies and state intervention to promote national economic interests. Liberalism, on the other hand, advocates for minimal state intervention in the economy, emphasizing the importance of free markets and individual economic freedom.

In conclusion, while structuralism, mercantilism, and liberalism all seek to explain the behavior of actors in the international political economy, they differ in their perspectives on dominant actors, motivations behind actors' behavior, and the role of the state in the economy. These differences reflect the diverse and often conflicting views on how the international political economy operates.

Question 2

Why is Marx considered determinist? Describe his three "laws" about the falling rate of profit, disproportionality, and concentration.

Accepted Answer

Marx is considered a determinist because he believed that the economic system and the development of society are determined by the underlying forces of production and class struggle. He argued that the capitalist mode of production would inevitably lead to its own downfall and the emergence of a socialist society, as this was the natural outcome of the contradictions and conflicts within the capitalist system.

Marx's three "laws" about the falling rate of profit, disproportionality, and concentration are key components of his analysis of capitalism.

The law of the falling rate of profit states that as capitalism develops, the rate of profit tends to decline due to the increasing investment in machinery and technology, which reduces the amount of labor required and thus the amount of surplus value that can be extracted from workers. This leads to a tendency for capitalists to seek higher profits through increased exploitation of labor, leading to social unrest and ultimately the collapse of the capitalist system.

The law of disproportionality refers to the imbalance between different sectors of the economy, leading to overproduction and underconsumption. Marx argued that the capitalist system inherently produces imbalances between different sectors, leading to crises of overproduction and unemployment.

The law of concentration refers to the tendency of capital to become concentrated in the hands of a few large firms, leading to monopolies and the centralization of economic power. Marx believed that this concentration of capital would lead to increased exploitation of workers and greater social inequality, ultimately contributing to the downfall of capitalism.

Overall, Marx's "laws" about the falling rate of profit, disproportionality, and concentration reflect his deterministic view of the capitalist system, as he believed that these inherent tendencies would ultimately lead to the collapse of capitalism and the emergence of a socialist society.

Question 3

Structuralists argue that capitalists use what kinds of mechanisms to control the subordinate classes and get them to believe in the legitimacy of the capitalist system?

Accepted Answer

Structuralists argue that capitalists use various mechanisms to control the subordinate classes and to get them to believe in the legitimacy of the capitalist system. These mechanisms include economic exploitation, ideological manipulation, and the use of state power.

Economically, capitalists control the subordinate classes by extracting surplus value from their labor, paying them wages that are lower than the value they produce, and maintaining a system of unequal distribution of wealth and resources. This economic exploitation keeps the subordinate classes dependent on the capitalist system for their livelihood and perpetuates their subordination.

Ideologically, capitalists use various means to manipulate the beliefs and values of the subordinate classes in order to maintain their consent to the capitalist system. This can include promoting the idea of meritocracy, individualism, and consumerism, as well as controlling the media and education systems to shape the dominant ideology in society.

Additionally, capitalists also use state power to control and regulate the subordinate classes, through laws, policies, and institutions that serve the interests of the capitalist class. This can include the use of force, surveillance, and legal mechanisms to suppress dissent and maintain social order.

Overall, structuralists argue that capitalists use a combination of economic, ideological, and state mechanisms to control the subordinate classes and maintain the legitimacy of the capitalist system.

Question 4

Lenin argued that capitalism was able to delay its crisis through international expansion. Explain what Lenin meant by imperialism. Outline several examples of imperialism in the global political economy today.

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Question 5

Outline the essential characteristics of dependency theory and the Modern World Systems theory. Discuss some examples of how the concepts would account for policy situations in the world today.

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Question 6

Outline some of the views structuralists have about globalization. Why do they tend to be so critical of it?

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

According to Wendy Brown, what is responsibilization and what are its effects on society?

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

What are some of the key characteristics of the precariat? What social groups or segments of the workforce typically constitute a significant part of the precariat?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Summarize some important trends in inequality in developed countries over the period from 1980 to 2014. What changes, if any, have there been in income and wealth of the lower, middle, and upper classes?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

What specific factors do structuralists think have contributed to rising inequality in industrialized countries since the 1980s?

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Question 11

Structuralists argue that capitalists use a number of political and economic mechanisms to control the subordinate classes and to get them to believe in the legitimacy of the capitalist system. Find at least three examples of this assertion in the text or in a news article.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Imagine a structuralist and neoliberal having a discussion about globalization-its many positive and negative features. What sorts of ideas would they agree on and disagree about?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

The basic idea behind structuralism is that

Accepted Answer

Structuralism is based on the premise that the larger structures and systems within the international political economy, such as capitalism, shape and influence the behavior of states and other actors within it. The primary focus is on understanding the underlying structures and dynamics rather than individual actors or decisions. Therefore, choice A is the best option as it directly correlates with the foundational premise of structuralism.

Question 14

The process by which inherently unstable opposing economic forces and counterforces lead to crisis, revolution, and to the next stage of history is called

Accepted Answer

The process described is a dialectical process, where opposing forces (in this case, economic) constantly struggle and eventually lead to a crisis or revolution, which then leads to a new stage of history. This process is based on the philosophy of dialectical materialism, which was developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

Question 15

Which one of the following refers to the privately-owned assets used to produce the commodities in an economy?

Accepted Answer

The means of production refer to the privately-owned assets used to produce the commodities in an economy. This includes things like land, factories, and equipment that are used for production.

Question 16

Which of the following is not one of Marx's Laws of Capitalism?

Accepted Answer

Marx's Laws of Capitalism are: the law of value, the law of surplus value, the law of the falling rate of profit, the law of concentration, and the law of disproportionality. The concept of capitalist imperialism was explored by Marx, but it is not considered as one of his definitive laws of capitalism.

Question 17

Ideological manipulation occurs when

Accepted Answer

Ideological manipulation occurs when individuals or groups in power use propaganda or other tactics to promote a particular ideology or belief system. In the case of capitalism, ideological manipulation might involve convincing workers that the capitalist system is legitimate and fair, even if they themselves may not benefit from it.

Question 18

Lenin believed that capitalism was able to postpone its crisis by:

Accepted Answer

Lenin believed that capitalism could postpone its crisis by exploiting less developed countries through imperialism, as this would provide a source of cheap labor and raw materials, and a market for surplus goods. However, he believed that this would only be a temporary solution and that ultimately capitalism would lead to crisis and downfall.

Question 19

Which of the following most closely resembles Marx's definition of class?

Accepted Answer

Marx's definition of class is primarily based on the relationship to the means of production, where the bourgeoisie owns capital and the proletariat sells labor.

Question 20

How does neoimperialism differ from classical imperialism?

Accepted Answer

Neoimperialism differs from classical imperialism in that states no longer need to occupy other countries in order to exploit them. Instead, economic exploitation can occur through financial institutions and corporations that have global reach and influence. Classical imperialism involved the direct control and occupation of territories by a foreign power.

Quiz 4: Economic Determinism and Exploitation: the Structuralist Perspective

Compare and contrast structuralism with mercantilism and liberalism in the following areas: a. the dominant actors b. political versus economic motivations behind actors' behavior c. the role of the state in the economy