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Questions and Answers
What is implied by the second assumption of realism?
What is implied by the second assumption of realism?
- States have sufficient autonomy to pursue the interests of the nation as a whole. (correct)
- States are entirely controlled by powerful groups in their national societies.
- States are unable to respond to international opportunities and dangers.
- States always prioritize the interests of important parts of society.
What is a key characteristic of states according to the third assumption of realism?
What is a key characteristic of states according to the third assumption of realism?
- States are emotional and impulsive decision-makers.
- States are impractical and do not evaluate alternatives.
- States are short-sighted and focus on short-term gains.
- States are rational actors that make cost-benefit analyses. (correct)
What is a limitation of the assumption that states are rational actors?
What is a limitation of the assumption that states are rational actors?
- Decision-makers may not have all the information they need to achieve their objectives. (correct)
- States always achieve their goals.
- States are never cost-sensitive.
- States have all the information they need to achieve their objectives.
What do realists assume about the behavior of states?
What do realists assume about the behavior of states?
What is the context of action in which states coexist, according to realism?
What is the context of action in which states coexist, according to realism?
What is the primary concern of states, according to realism?
What is the primary concern of states, according to realism?
What is a consequence of the anarchic nature of the international system, according to realism?
What is a consequence of the anarchic nature of the international system, according to realism?
What do realists assume about the international system?
What do realists assume about the international system?
What is the primary focus of the realist agenda?
What is the primary focus of the realist agenda?
Why do realists argue that military spending contributes to tension in the international system?
Why do realists argue that military spending contributes to tension in the international system?
What is the primary characteristic of the state that enables it to resolve conflicts?
What is the primary characteristic of the state that enables it to resolve conflicts?
What triggered the popularity of neo-realism in the late 1970s and 1980s?
What triggered the popularity of neo-realism in the late 1970s and 1980s?
What is the main focus of Kenneth Waltz's work in 'Man, the State and War'?
What is the main focus of Kenneth Waltz's work in 'Man, the State and War'?
What is the third 'image' of realism presented by Kenneth Waltz?
What is the third 'image' of realism presented by Kenneth Waltz?
What is the primary focus of the study of International Relations according to realists?
What is the primary focus of the study of International Relations according to realists?
Why do realists argue that states possess the monopoly of legitimate force?
Why do realists argue that states possess the monopoly of legitimate force?
What is the view of non-state actors like international organizations and Multi-National Corporations in realism?
What is the view of non-state actors like international organizations and Multi-National Corporations in realism?
What do realists assume about political differences within a state?
What do realists assume about political differences within a state?
How do realists view a state's policy on a particular issue?
How do realists view a state's policy on a particular issue?
What happens when different government ministries have different policies on an issue?
What happens when different government ministries have different policies on an issue?
What is the role of higher authorities in resolving alternative views on an important issue?
What is the role of higher authorities in resolving alternative views on an important issue?
What do realists like Kenneth Waltz and Robert Gilpin argue about states?
What do realists like Kenneth Waltz and Robert Gilpin argue about states?
Study Notes
Second Assumption of Realism
- States have autonomy to recognize and pursue national interests, not just those of powerful groups.
- Decision-makers respond to opportunities and dangers in the international system on behalf of the nation-state.
Third Assumption of Realism
- States are rational actors, goal-oriented, and consistent in their goals.
- States derive strategies to achieve their goals, making cost-benefit analyses and evaluating alternatives.
- States can change their strategies in response to external changes.
Fourth Assumption of Realism
- The context of action is international anarchy, where states coexist without a centralized authority.
- States are self-help agents, prioritizing national security and military issues.
Major Actors and Assumptions
- States are the principal actors and most important units in international relations.
- States possess the monopoly of legitimate force to resolve conflicts within their territory and with other states.
- Non-state actors, like international organizations and MNCs, are of secondary importance.
Unitary Actor
- States are viewed as unitary actors, with a single policy on any particular issue.
- Realists assume that political differences within a state are ultimately resolved, with the government speaking with one voice.
- If the issue is important, higher authorities will intervene to prevent alternative views.
Realist Response to Criticisms
- Arms race and military spending contribute to tension in the international system, making it reasonable to focus on states.
- States possess the monopoly of legitimate force to resolve conflicts.
Neo-realism and Kenneth Waltz
- Neo-realism's theoretical premises are organized around anarchy, distribution of power, and self-regarding states.
- Waltz's work responded to pluralism and was popularized by the rise of international insecurity and the Cold War.
Kenneth Waltz and Neorealism
- Waltz's "Man, the State and War" (1959) offered three images of Realism:
- War caused by human nature,
- War caused by the nature of states,
- War arising from the anarchic structure of the international system.
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Description
This quiz covers the assumptions of realism in international relations, including the autonomy of states and decision-makers responding to opportunities and dangers in the international system.
