Alliances as means for stability within the international system; a comparative analysis of Czech and Russian diplomatic efforts from the end of the first World War

Maynard, Brendan P.

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Description

Title

Alliances as means for stability within the international system; a comparative analysis of Czech and Russian diplomatic efforts from the end of the first World War

Author(s)

Maynard, Brendan P.

Issue Date

2011-08-26T15:33:00Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Leff, Carol S.

Department of Study

Russian,E European,Eurasn Ctr

Discipline

Russian, E Eur, Eurasian St

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• International Relations
• Czechoslovakia
• Czech Republic
• Russia
• Soviet Union

Abstract

With the emergence of the nation-state as the paramount political unit within the international system, alliances have become a key mechanism for the preservation of peace and stability. International relations theorists, while differing on the motives behind state behavior, agree that states seek to develop relationships with one another of a desire for security. Despite extensive research on the theories behind state behavior, little effort has been made to offer a comparative analysis of the diplomatic efforts of states such as Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union, and alterations in behavior following their dissolutions. In order to compete my study, I examine the two primary theories within the field of international relations, realism and liberalism, and apply them to the primary diplomatic efforts of Czech and Russian leaders following the conclusion of the First World War. I conclude that, while both states develop alliances during the immediate aftermath of the war which support realist thinking, they shift their behavior following the conclusion of the communist era in central and eastern Europe and begin to behave in a manner predicted by the liberal theory.

Graduation Semester

2011-08

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Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2011 Brendan P. Maynard

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