Final answer:
International relations scholars use three levels of analysis: individual, state, and system. The individual level focuses on leaders, the state level on national policies, and the system level on international interactions and institutions. Each provides a distinct perspective on global events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three 'levels of analysis' used by international relations scholars to examine trends, predict outcomes and understand motivations in international relations are the individual level, the state level, and the system or global level. Each level provides a unique perspective on the interactions and policies between nations.
Individual Level
At the individual level of analysis, we look at leaders and decision-makers within states. An example at this level is President John F. Kennedy's decision-making during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which involved complex negotiations and standoffs that reflected his personal capabilities and the pressures he faced domestically.
State Level
The state level focuses on the nation itself, including its domestic interests and internal processes. An example of analysis at this level could be North Korea's development of nuclear capabilities, a policy rooted in the regime's need for security and domestic legitimacy.
System Level
The system level, or global level, considers the interactions between states, international organizations, and non-state actors. For instance, global trade policies reflect the interplay of various nations' economic interests within the international system, impacting and being affected by institutions like the World Trade Organization.