International Relations: Realism Theories

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Questions and Answers

What does John Mearsheimer argue about states in the international system?

States avoid pursuing hegemony.

States are primarily motivated by moral considerations.

States are inherently power-maximizers. (correct)

States act primarily to foster cooperation.

Which factor distinguishes neoclassical realism from other theories?

Emphasizes individual leaders' ethics.

Exclusively focuses on international institutions.

Assumes that all states are revisionist.

Incorporates both structural and unit-level factors. (correct)

What is Robert Keohane known for in the context of international relations?

Exploring the ethical dimensions of state behavior.

Developing the concept of international anarchy.

Stressing the importance of institutions for cooperation. (correct)

Examining the role of power in conflict.

In constructivism, what does Alexander Wendt mean by 'anarchy is what states make of it'?

States' identities and norms shape their experiences of anarchy. Signup and view all the answers

Which scholar contributed to the neo-neo debate in international relations?

Joseph Grieco Signup and view all the answers

What concept is central to Hedley Bull's work in the English School?

The balance between order and justice in international society. Signup and view all the answers

Which contribution is Martin Wight known for in international relations theory?

Recognizing the tripartite distinction of IR traditions. Signup and view all the answers

Randall Schweller's work on neoclassical realism primarily focuses on which distinction?

Status quo versus revisionist states. Signup and view all the answers

What does neoclassical realism emphasize in the context of foreign policy decisions?

The interaction of systemic pressures and domestic factors Signup and view all the answers

How does neoliberalism differ from realism in terms of state interactions?

It recognizes the potential for cooperation among states. Signup and view all the answers

What role do international organizations play according to constructivists?

They actively shape international norms and identities. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of international relations does the English School primarily focus on?

The formation and influence of international norms by states Signup and view all the answers

In Marxism, what is considered the key driver shaping global dynamics?

Bourgeoisie and proletariat class struggles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary focus of neo-Gramscianism?

The role of the transnational capitalist class Signup and view all the answers

How do constructivists view the influence of transnational advocacy networks?

They help promote norms and influence state actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one emerging recognition within the English School regarding non-state actors?

The need to address the role of non-state actors is increasing. Signup and view all the answers

What do classical realists argue about universal moral principles?

They often conflict with national interests. Signup and view all the answers

What concept does neorealism emphasize as the primary determinant of state behavior?

The anarchic structure of the international system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'security dilemma'?

Increasing one's security can lead to greater insecurity for all. Signup and view all the answers

What main factor do neorealists believe determines the likelihood of conflict and cooperation in the international system?

The number of great powers Signup and view all the answers

In the debate between offensive and defensive realism, what do defensive realists advocate for?

Balancing against potential threats Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does neoclassical realism seek to incorporate along with structural factors?

Domestic politics and leaders' perceptions Signup and view all the answers

Why can varying perceptions of power distribution lead to conflict, according to neoclassical realism?

Different interpretations can lead to strategic miscalculations. Signup and view all the answers

How does state capacity influence a state's behavior on the international stage, according to neoclassical realism?

States differ in their ability to leverage national power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the core-periphery hierarchy in world-systems theory primarily characterized by?

An exploitative relationship between different economic zones. Signup and view all the answers

How do feminist theories in international relations view gender?

As a social construct that shapes power relations. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of capitalism do world-systems theorists analyze historically?

The capitalist world economy's continuous development since the 16th century. Signup and view all the answers

What do feminist scholars critique about traditional international relations concepts?

They convey gendered perspectives that often reflect masculine viewpoints. Signup and view all the answers

What does intersectional analysis in feminist IR recognize?

Gender interacts with various other forms of identity in shaping experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What do postcolonial and decolonial approaches emphasize about colonialism?

Colonial legacies play a significant role in shaping current global power relations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Eurocentric perspectives in traditional international relations?

They often marginalize voices from the Global South. Signup and view all the answers

What role does capitalism play according to world-systems theory?

It is a process with beginnings, middles, and ends that influences globalization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motivation for states in classical realism?

Pursuit of power and security Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'self-help' imply in the context of classical realism?

States must rely on their own capabilities for protection Signup and view all the answers

In neorealism, what is considered the primary determinant of state behavior?

Structure of the international system Signup and view all the answers

What does the security dilemma refer to in neorealism?

One state's pursuit of security threatening others' security Signup and view all the answers

How does neoclassical realism differ from classical realism?

It includes domestic political factors in state behavior analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'status quo states' in neoclassical realism?

States that want to maintain current international order Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'dual moral standard' refer to in classical realism?

Different moral principles governing states' external relations Signup and view all the answers

In neorealism, what factor greatly influences the likelihood of conflict or cooperation between states?

Distribution of power in the international system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Realism

Emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system, where states are the primary actors.
States are motivated by the pursuit of power and security, making survival their ultimate goal.
Self-help is a key principle, meaning states need to rely on their own capabilities for security and cannot depend on others.
Raison d'État (the national interest) guides state decisions, often prioritized over other considerations.
A dual moral standard applies: One for individuals and another for states in international relations.

Neorealism (Structural Realism)

Shifts focus from human nature to the international system's structure as the primary determinant of state behavior.
The anarchic structure of the international system leads to a security dilemma, where actions taken to enhance security can threaten others.
The distribution of power influences international relations, with different power structures (e.g., unipolar, bipolar, multipolar) shaping dynamics.

Neoclassical Realism

Incorporates domestic factors, such as state-society relations and leaders' perceptions, into its analysis of state behavior.
Emphasizes the role of leaders' perceptions and interpretations of the international system and power distribution.
Distinguishes between status quo states (satisfied with the existing order) and revisionist states (seeking to change it).

Neoliberalism

Focuses on the role of institutions in promoting cooperation among states and mitigating the effects of anarchy.
Emphasizes the potential for cooperation among states, particularly through international organizations.

Constructivism

Argues that anarchy is what states make of it, highlighting the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping international relations.
Recognizes the influence of both states and non-state actors, including international organizations and transnational advocacy networks, in shaping norms and behaviors.

The English School

Emphasizes the concept of international society, the balance between order and justice, and a historical and interpretive approach to IR.
Focuses on states as the core actors in international society and their role in constructing and shaping norms and institutions.
Acknowledges the growing need to incorporate non-state actors as they become more influential in functionally differentiated international societies.

World-Systems Theory

Argues that the capitalist world economy is structured as a hierarchy with a core, periphery, and semi-periphery characterized by an exploitative relationship.
Emphasizes unequal development, where the core often benefits at the expense of the periphery.
Views capitalism as a historical system with a beginning, middle, and end, with globalization seen as a continuation of capitalist expansion.

Feminist IR

Challenges the assumption that gender is a biological given, arguing it's a social construct that shapes power relations, identities, and experiences.
Explores how gendered power relations operate in international politics, influencing state behavior, global governance, and resource distribution.
Uses intersectional analysis, recognizing the intersection of gender with race, class, and sexuality in shaping experiences of inequality and oppression.
Critiques traditional IR concepts, such as the state, security, and sovereignty, as often gendered and reflecting masculine perspectives.
Encompasses various theoretical perspectives, including liberal feminism, critical feminism, poststructural feminism, and postcolonial feminism, providing diverse insights.

Postcolonialism/Decolonialism

Emphasizes the enduring legacies of colonialism and imperialism in shaping global power relations, knowledge production, and international institutions.
Challenges Eurocentric perspectives and advocates for centering the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups in the Global South.
Examines the relationship between the colonial past and the present, including how colonial attitudes persist in international relations.

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Description

Explore the foundational theories of Classical Realism and Neorealism, emphasizing the anarchic nature of the international system and the behavior of states. Understand how power, security, and the state's national interest shape international relations and guide decision-making.