Task – ‘Open-source’ task. Theory – 10 point task – a ‘Open-source’ task. Find/identify main postulates of given great thinker/scholar [from Martin Griffiths

Robert gilpin
Robert Gilpin was an American political scientist who made significant contributions to the study of international relations (IR). The main postulates of Gilpin are:

1. 
   Realism: Gilpin was a Realist and believed that the main driver of international relations is the pursuit of power. He saw states as rational actors motivated by self-interest and security considerations.
   
2. 
   The role of the nation-state: Gilpin emphasized the importance of the nation-state as the main actor in international relations. He argued that the nation-state is the primary unit of analysis in IR, and that its behavior and actions shape the international system.
   
3. 
   The role of the international economy: Gilpin also emphasized the role of the international economy in shaping international relations. He saw the international economy as a key factor in determining the distribution of power among states and in shaping the behavior of states.
   

Illustration of events/cases in IR:

1. 
   The Cold War: The Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union was an example of the realist perspective put forward by Gilpin. Both superpowers were driven by the pursuit of power and security, leading to a bipolar system of international relations characterized by tension and competition.
   
2. 
   The European Union: The European Union is an example of the role of the nation-state in shaping international relations. The EU has brought together a number of nation-states to form a new, more integrated political and economic system, highlighting the centrality of the nation-state in shaping the international system.
   
3. 
   Globalization: Globalization is a prime example of the role of the international economy in shaping international relations. The increasing interconnectedness of the global economy has led to a shift in power dynamics among states, demonstrating the impact of the international economy on international relations.