Quiz & Flashcards on Basic Assumptions of Realism

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Questions and Answers

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?

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?

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?

States behave in a standard manner based on their rationality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the context of action in which states coexist, according to realism?

A context of international anarchy with no centralized authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of states, according to realism?

National security and military issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the anarchic nature of the international system, according to realism?

States are forced to be self-help agents and prioritize national security. Signup and view all the answers

What do realists assume about the international system?

The international system is composed of states that have the same patterns of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the realist agenda?

States and their role in the international system Signup and view all the answers

Why do realists argue that military spending contributes to tension in the international system?

Because only states spend money on military capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the state that enables it to resolve conflicts?

Its claim to sovereignty and monopoly of legitimate force Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the popularity of neo-realism in the late 1970s and 1980s?

A rise in international insecurity and a new Cold War Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Kenneth Waltz's work in 'Man, the State and War'?

The three 'images' of realism Signup and view all the answers

What is the third 'image' of realism presented by Kenneth Waltz?

War arising from the anarchic structure of the international system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the study of International Relations according to realists?

The study of relations among states Signup and view all the answers

Why do realists argue that states possess the monopoly of legitimate force?

Because only states can resolve conflicts between individuals and groups within their territory Signup and view all the answers

What is the view of non-state actors like international organizations and Multi-National Corporations in realism?

They are of secondary importance Signup and view all the answers

What do realists assume about political differences within a state?

They are ultimately resolved Signup and view all the answers

How do realists view a state's policy on a particular issue?

As a unified policy Signup and view all the answers

What happens when different government ministries have different policies on an issue?

The higher authorities intervene to bring the policies to a common position Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of higher authorities in resolving alternative views on an important issue?

They intervene to bring the views to a common position Signup and view all the answers

What do realists like Kenneth Waltz and Robert Gilpin argue about states?

They are the basic actors in the international system Signup and view all the answers

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.

Assumptions of Realism in International Relations