International Relations Theories

Questions and Answers

What is the key factor Thucydides identifies as the cause of the Peloponnesian Wars?

Distribution of power

According to realist theory, what drives conflict in international relations?

Human nature

What concept is associated with the idea that states prefer to gain more compared to others rather than focusing on absolute gains?

Relative gains

What is the defining feature of the international system according to realists that leads to recurring conflict?

Anarchy Signup and view all the answers

In the context of hegemonic war theory, when is a conflict considered a hegemonic war?

When there is a power shift after the war Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does Thucydides and classical realists attribute as the cause of war?

Human nature Signup and view all the answers

What does a theory in international relations do?

Explains both past and predicts future behavior in international relations Signup and view all the answers

Why is a theory compared to a spotlight rather than a floodlight?

Because it only highlights certain aspects of what we want to understand Signup and view all the answers

What is the central concern of classical realists, like Thucydides?

Understanding human nature and conflict Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of states according to the text?

To prioritize wealth and security Signup and view all the answers

Why do states focus more on capabilities rather than intentions when making foreign policy decisions?

Capabilities are more reliable indicators of potential threat Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the international system determines its structure according to classical realist beliefs?

Distribution of power among states Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Role of Theory in International Relations

Theory helps make sense of facts and explains past and predicts future behavior and phenomena in international relations.
A theory is like a spotlight, highlighting specific aspects of what we want to understand.

Classical Realism

Famous classical realists: Thucydides and others
Classical realist beliefs:
- Distribution of power determines the structure of the international system
- Competition and war among states is normal
- Human nature is a source of conflict and does not change
- The state is a rational unitary actor
- To understand a state's foreign policy, we only need to know its position on the power hierarchy

Distribution of Power

The distribution of power determines the structure of the international system: bipolarity, multipolarity, or unipolarity
Consequences of changing distribution of power: uncertainty, balancing vs. bandwagoning alliance behavior, and risk of hegemonic war

Thucydides and Hegemonic War

Thucydides is considered the first realist because he explained the origins of the Peloponnesian Wars as a consequence of the balance/distribution of power
Hegemonic war: war between a hegemon and a rising state that threatens the hegemon and results in a new distribution of power

Human Nature and War

Thucydides/classical realists: human nature causes war due to people's lust for power, selfishness, aggression, fear, and distrust
Gilpin/neorealists: the nature of the international system causes war, not human nature

Anarchy and the International System

Anarchy: the absence of a sovereign authority
Hierarchy: the presence of a sovereign authority
Implications of anarchy:
- Self-help world
- Preference for relative gains over absolute gains