Pluralism

1. Assumptions

*Analytic unit: state and nonstate actors are important.

*View of actors: state disaggregated into components; some may operate transnationally.

*Behavioral dynamics: foreign policymaking and trans-national processes involve conflict, bargaining, coalition, and compromise—not necessarily resulting in optimal outcomes.

*Issues: multiple agenda with socioeconomic or welfare issues as, or more, important than national security.

2. Precursors

*John Locke and liberalism

*19^th  century utilitarianism

*Interest group liberalism and American politics *James Madison, Alexis de Tocqueville, Arthur Bentley, David Truman, Louis Hartz

*Harold Lasswell, Robert Dahl

3.    Decision making theory *Behavioralism (Snyder, Rosenau)

*Perceptions and the psychology of small groups: why do decision makers undertake irrational actions? *Graham Allison’s three models:

(1)     Rational actor model

(2)     Organizational process model

(3)     Bureaucratic politics model

*The interaction of international politics and domestic politics

(1)   Linkage politics (Rosenau)