International Relations: Realism - Session 4

Idealism in IR emphasizes international cooperation through institutions to achieve peace. It believes in the inherent goodness of humans and states and their desire for peace. It's optimistic about achieving peace.

Realism in IR contrasts with idealism and emphasizes the inherent self-interest and power struggles among states. It views international relations as a competition for power and survival in an anarchic system.

The concept of anarchy in International Relations means the absence of a higher power, like a global government, to enforce rules and laws. States are the primary actors and are responsible for their own security.

The Security Dilemma is a core concept in realism where one state's actions to enhance its own security, often lead to insecurity for other states. This can create a cycle of mistrust and arms races.

Classical realism focuses on human nature, specifically the inherent desire for power and dominance, as the primary driver of conflict in international relations.

Neo-realism, also known as structural realism, emphasizes the international structure or system as the main reason for conflict. It is less focused on human nature than classical realism.

Relative gains are a core concept in realism where states prioritize gaining more power than other states, even if the absolute amount of power gained is small. This competition for power can lead to conflict.

The Survival Game is a practical exercise used to illustrate core concepts of realism. It highlights the importance of power, survival, and strategic decision-making in an anarchic system.

A pessimistic perspective on human nature that emphasizes the inevitability of conflict and war in international relations.

The idea that states are the most important actors in international politics, and that other actors (like individuals or organizations) are less important or irrelevant.

The absence of a global governing body or authority that can enforce rules and maintain order between states.

The idea that states are constantly vying for power and security, and that these struggles can lead to conflict.

Realism prioritizes the values of protecting a state's interests, security, and survival over other concerns.

The dominant states in world politics with significant power and influence.

A hierarchy of power between states, where some states have more power and influence than others.

The belief that international politics is fundamentally unstable and that progress is difficult to achieve.

The concept that states prioritize their own survival and national security above all else, considering international agreements secondary to self-interest.

A condition in international relations where multiple states balance their power to prevent any single state from dominating the others.

The belief that international relations is driven by the constant pursuit of power by states, with the goal of dominating others.

The realist view that international relations is fundamentally different from domestic politics, with states acting in a self-interested manner and no higher authority to regulate their behavior.

Realists believe there cannot be significant progress in world politics, similar to advancements in domestic political systems, due to the inherent conflict of interests.

The realist concept that international agreements are only valid as long as states are willing to uphold them, and can be abandoned if a state's self-interest demands it.

Realism emphasizes the importance of power and security, emphasizing that states must constantly seek to increase their power to ensure their survival.

The concept that international relations is driven by the inherent desire for power, dominance, and survival among states. States are fundamentally self-interested and seek to maximize their own power in a competitive environment.

A classical realist who emphasized the importance of power politics in International Relations. He believed that the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.

An Italian diplomat, historian, and theorist known for his book "The Prince." He provided key insights into the nature of power and the need for rulers to be strong and cunning to survive.

The Athenian ultimatum to the island of Melos, illustrating the realist principle that justice is determined by power and not by morality. The Melians refused to submit to Athenian demands and were ultimately destroyed.

A concept where states operate in an anarchic system where there is no central authority to enforce international rules.

The inherent nature of humans, characterized by insatiable desires, arrogance, cunning, and a tendency towards violence and malice.

The practice of foreign policy involves using both power and deception to achieve national interests, like a lion who is strong and a fox who is clever.

The fundamental purpose of a ruler is to protect the state's interests and ensure its survival, regardless of moral considerations, because the ultimate goal is the preservation of the state.

A state of existence where there are no rules or governing authority, leading to constant conflict and a "war of all against all."

The creation and maintenance of a sovereign state, capable of enforcing laws and ensuring order, is the only way to escape the harsh conditions of the state of nature.

Hobbes believed that in the absence of a sovereign, humans are motivated by self-preservation and driven by their passions, leading to a constant struggle for power.

The concept that states are the most important actors in the international system, and that their primary concern is their own survival and security.

A central tenet of realism that states are constantly competing for power and resources, making conflict an inherent part of international relations.

Morgenthau argued that humans are naturally driven to pursue power due to their innate 'lust' for it. This drive leads to competition and conflict between individuals and states.

According to Morgenthau, the sovereign state is the ultimate political space where security can be achieved, as there are no guarantees of security outside of it. He believes that a state must be strong enough to protect itself from external threats.

Morgenthau's view of international relations is that it is inherently conflictual due to the clash of states pursuing their own interests. The lack of a world government or authority exacerbates this conflict.

Morgenthau’s ‘amoral’ approach to international relations believes that national interest takes precedence over moral considerations. It argues that states must act pragmatically to ensure their security, even if that means taking morally questionable actions.

Morgenthau's six principles highlight the core ideas of realism, emphasizing the role of national interest, power, and the importance of state survival in an anarchic system. These principles provide a framework for understanding how realists view international relations.

Realism, in its emphasis on power politics, can contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy - where states, believing in an inherently conflictual world, act in ways that lead to conflict. Critics argue this creates a 'them vs. us' mentality and perpetuates a cycle of distrust and insecurity.

The realist perspective has been criticized for its pessimism, believing that conflict and competition are inevitable in international relations. Critics point out that realism fails to account for cooperation and the possibility of progress in international relations.