International Relations Chapter 3: Realism Review

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Questions and Answers

Match the following realist assumptions with their descriptions:

Pessimistic view of human nature = States prioritize citizen security. International relations are conflictual = Humans are motivated by their own interests in relation to others. High values of national security and survival = The state plays a crucial role in guaranteeing citizen security. The state always pursues its own interests = International politics serve as an arena of rivalry and war between states.

Match the following realist concepts with their implications:

Power = The ultimate goal of human actions is to achieve it. National interest = The state prioritizes citizen security and survival. International system = It serves as an arena of rivalry and conflict between states. Security = The state is seen as a protector of its territory and population.

Match the following realist views with their descriptions:

Human nature = Preoccupied by their own interests in relation to others. National interests = The state prioritizes its own interests and does not rely on other states. International relations = Conflictual and solved by force. The state = A protector of its territory, population, and way of life.

Match the following realist assumptions with their consequences:

The state prioritizes national security and survival = The state plays a crucial role in guaranteeing citizen security. International relations are conflictual = The international system serves as an arena of rivalry and war between states. Humans are motivated by their own interests = The ultimate goal of human actions is to achieve power. The state always pursues its own interests = The country and government do not rely on other states. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following realist concepts with their roles:

The state = A protector of its territory, population, and way of life. Power = The means to achieve human goals and interests. National interest = The final arbiter in judging foreign policy. International system = An arena of rivalry, conflict, and war between states. Signup and view all the answers

Match the classical realists with their views on power and international relations:

Thucydides = Unequal distribution of power leads to conflict and war Machiavelli = Seeking national liberty, independence, and survival is key Hobbes = Humans are inherently self-interested, driven by desire and fears Morgenthau = Justice is of a special kind in international relations, prioritizing state interests Signup and view all the answers

Match the classical realists with their views on morality and ethics:

Thucydides = Justice is of a special kind in international relations, prioritizing state interests Machiavelli = Political value is national liberty, independence, and survival, even if it means acting against private morality Hobbes = Private morality is irrelevant in the state of nature, security is the primary concern Morgenthau = Public morality and private morality are inseparable in international relations Signup and view all the answers

Match the classical realists with their views on state leadership and responsibility:

Thucydides = Rulers must adapt to the unequal distribution of power to survive Machiavelli = Leaders must prioritize national security and interests over private morality Hobbes = Rulers must ensure the security and survival of their state in the state of nature Morgenthau = State leaders must balance power to maintain order in the international system Signup and view all the answers

Match the classical realists with their views on the relationship between power and morality:

Thucydides = Power is the primary determinant of international relations, morality is secondary Machiavelli = Morality is a means to maintain power and achieve national interests Hobbes = The pursuit of power is a natural response to the security dilemma in the state of nature Morgenthau = Morality is a constraint on the exercise of power in international relations Signup and view all the answers

Match the classical realists with their views on the role of deception in international relations:

Thucydides = Deception is a necessary tool for states to achieve their goals Machiavelli = Deception is essential for foreign policy, as leaders must often act against promise and charity Hobbes = Deception is a natural consequence of the security dilemma in the state of nature Morgenthau = Deception is a morally justifiable means to ensure national security Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basic Assumptions of Realism

Realism assumes a pessimistic view of human nature, where individuals are driven by their own interests and prioritize power to achieve their goals.
International relations are viewed as conflictual and solved by force, with states competing for power and security.
National security and survival are highly valued, with the state prioritizing citizen security and playing a crucial role in guaranteeing their safety.

Realist View of Human Nature and National Interests

Humans are seen as preoccupied by their own interests and motivated by power.
National interests are paramount, with states pursuing their own interests and prioritizing national security and survival.

Realist View of the International System

The international system is marked by anarchy, with no central authority governing state interactions.
The balance of power is seen as a way to limit power and maintain order in the international sphere.
States must prepare for war to ensure peace and security.

Classical Realist Views on Power and Morality

Thucydides: All states must adapt to the reality of unequal power and conduct themselves accordingly to avoid destruction.
Machiavelli: Rulers must prioritize the advantages and interests of their state, even if it means acting against moral principles.
Thomas Hobbes: Humans are inherently self-interested, driven by desire and fear, and the state of nature is a hypothetical situation where individuals are in a constant state of war.

Classical Realist Views on Public Morality (Politic Ethics) and Private Morality

Thucydides: Justice is not about equal treatment for all, as states are unequal and must be treated accordingly.
Machiavelli: Political ethics prioritize national interest and survival, whereas private morality prioritizes individual goodness.
Thomas Hobbes: The state of nature is a hypothetical situation where individuals are in a constant state of war, and morality is not applicable in this state.

Core Arguments of Classical Realists

Thucydides: States are unequal and must adapt to the reality of unequal power to survive.
Machiavelli: Power and deception are essential for foreign policy, and leaders must prioritize national interest and survival over moral principles.
Hobbes: The state of nature is a hypothetical situation where individuals are in a constant state of war, and the state is necessary to maintain security and order.

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Description

Review the basics of realism in international relations, including the assumptions of realism, the view of human nature, national interests, and the international system. Test your knowledge of this fundamental concept in IR.