Abstract
The following chapter will present the theoretical concepts of Great Power status in international relations and status-seeking as a driver of state behavior. Used throughout this book, these two concepts provide the theoretical basis for the subsequent analysis of Brazil’s Africa engagement. Drawing on insights from both International Relations theory and social psychology, the chapter introduces the two key arguments on which the study is built: (1) There is a social hierarchy in international relations, and Great Powers enjoy the highest status within that social hierarchy; and (2) states strive for higher status in the international social hierarchy and apply different status-seeking strategies in order to achieve that goal. Which strategy is applied will be determined by the state’s material capabilities and its international identity.
Keywords
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
Copyright information
© 2015 Christina Stolte
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Stolte, C. (2015). Great Powers and the Drive for Status in International Relations. In: Brazil’s Africa Strategy. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137499578_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137499578_2
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-50534-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-49957-8
eBook Packages: Palgrave Intern. Relations & Development CollectionPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)