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

herbert spencer
Herbert Spencer was an English philosopher and sociologist known for his evolutionary theory of social progress and development. He was one of the early proponents of social Darwinism, which applied the principles of biological evolution to human society.
Main Postulates:

1. 
   Evolutionary theory of development: Spencer believed that society, like the natural world, evolved gradually through natural selection and adaptation.
   
2. 
   Social progress: Spencer saw evolution as leading to a continually improving society, where the fit and the capable would rise to the top and improve conditions for everyone.
   
3. 
   Individual freedom: Spencer believed that the individual's right to pursue their own interests was essential to social progress, and that the role of the state should be limited to providing protection and security.
   

Relevant Illustration of events / case in IR:

1. 
   The rise of laissez-faire capitalism: Spencer's ideas contributed to the development of a belief in laissez-faire capitalism, where the government should play a minimal role in the economy, and market forces should dictate the development of society.
   
2. 
   American expansionism: Spencer's ideas were influential in the American expansionist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where the United States sought to spread its political and economic system to other parts of the world.
   
3. 
   Neoliberalism: Spencer's emphasis on individual freedom and limited government intervention has been influential in the development of neoliberal economic policies, which have been adopted by many countries in recent decades.
   

morton deutsch
Morton Deutsch was an American psychologist and conflict researcher who made significant contributions to the study of conflict resolution and cooperation. His work focuses on the psychological factors that influence the behavior of individuals in conflict situations.
The main postulates of Morton Deutsch's theory of conflict resolution and cooperation include:

1. 
   Perception of Injustice: Conflict arises when individuals or groups perceive that their rights or needs are not being met.
   
2. 
   Social Comparison: Individuals compare themselves to others and assess their own standing based on social norms and standards.
   
3. 
   Perceived Control: Individuals who feel that they have control over the outcome of a situation are more likely to cooperate and resolve conflict peacefully.
   

Here are three illustrations of Deutsch's theory in the field of International Relations:

1. 
   Perception of Injustice in International Conflict: In international conflict, states may perceive that their rights or interests are being threatened and respond with aggression or conflict.
   
2. 
   Social Comparison and National Identity: National identity and the comparison of a state's power and influence with other states can influence conflict behavior in the international arena.
   
3. 
   Perceived Control and Diplomacy: Diplomatic efforts to resolve international conflict may be more successful when both sides feel that they have control over the outcome and can shape the resolution to meet their needs.
   

In conclusion, Morton Deutsch's theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the psychological factors that influence conflict behavior and the potential for conflict resolution and cooperation in the international arena.