PS 3040 Structural Realism Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the difference between classical and structural realists in terms of agency and structure as explanations for why there is constant power-seeking and the constant risk of war?

Classical realists believe that human nature, the lust for power, is the reason states want power, while structural realists believe human nature has little to do with why states want power.

What is the structural realist conception of agency and structure?

The structural realist conception of agency is that human nature is irrelevant and that rationality is important. For structure, they believe anarchy is an iron cage that forces behavior.

What does Mearsheimer mean when he says that anarchy is an 'iron cage'?

Great powers are trapped in an iron cage where they must compete with each other for power to survive.

How do structural realists define power?

Structural realists define power in two categories: primary and latent power. Signup and view all the answers

How much power do structural realists think states want?

Structural realists think that states want as much power as will keep them safe. Signup and view all the answers

Why do defensive realists think states want a limited amount of power?

Defensive realists believe it is strategically foolish to pursue hegemony, which would amount to over-expansion. Signup and view all the answers

Why do offensive realists think states want an unlimited amount of power?

Offensive realists believe states should maximize their power and that their ultimate goal should be hegemony. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the presence of anarchy not sufficient to explain when war is more or less likely?

Anarchy is a constant system, whereas war is not; thus, additional structural theories help predict war likelihood. Signup and view all the answers

What is the least, medium, and most warlike international structure according to Mearsheimer?

Bipolar systems are least warlike, multipolar balanced systems are medium warlike, and multipolar unbalanced systems are most warlike. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mearsheimer think that Europe and North-East Asia were peaceful in the 1990s?

Because it was a bipolar system with the US and Russia as principal rivals armed with nuclear weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What are Mearsheimer's responses to people who disagree with the structural realist argument?

Responses include states operating through international institutions, the futility of offense, clear intentions, and countries caring more about money. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Difference Between Classical and Structural Realists

Classical realists attribute constant power-seeking and war to human nature and the inherent lust for power.
Structural realists argue that human nature is less relevant; instead, the anarchic international system compels states to seek power for self-protection.

Structural Realist Conception of Agency and Structure

Agency in structural realism emphasizes rationality, discounting human nature.
The structure is defined by anarchy, which acts as a constraining force on state behavior.
Great powers are primary actors; states' intentions, offensive capabilities, and survival are critical concerns.
Power is categorized into primary (military) and latent (economic and demographic).

Anarchy as an "Iron Cage"

Mearsheimer describes anarchy as an "iron cage," constraining great powers to compete for power for survival.
Without authority, states must operate independently and prioritize their self-interest.

Definitions and Perspectives on Power

Structural realists define power as primary and latent, viewing safety as the primary motivator for power-seeking.
Defensive realists advocate for limited power to avoid overexpansion and negative balancing.
Offensive realists seek unlimited power, advocating for hegemony as the key to ensure survival.

Predictors of War Beyond Anarchy

Anarchy alone does not determine war likelihood; additional factors include international structures (bipolar vs. multipolar dynamics).
Structural theories in realism help predict the conditions under which war is more or less likely.

International Structures and Warlike Tendencies

Bipolar systems: Least warlike; only two great powers lead to fewer conflicts (e.g., US and USSR in the Cold War).
Multipolar balanced systems: Moderate warlikeliness; conflict is possible but often one-on-one (e.g., interwar years).
Multipolar unbalanced systems: Most prone to war; potential hegemons may provoke broad conflicts (e.g., Nazi Germany).

Peaceful Dynamics of 1990s Europe and Northeast Asia

The 1990s were peaceful due to a bipolar balance between the US and Russia, reinforced by nuclear deterrence.
Northeast Asia was stabilized by a multipolar balance of power, with significant nuclear capabilities shared among the US, China, and Russia.
Future conflict is anticipated due to potential US troop withdrawals and emerging powers, particularly in Europe.

Mearsheimer's Responses to Critics of Structural Realism

Sovereignty at bay: States engage through powerless international institutions, including the UN and EU, without impacting sovereignty.
Futility of offense: The existence of nuclear weapons fails to preclude conventional wars between great powers.
Clear intentions: Democracies cannot guarantee that other democracies will not transition to authoritarianism, influencing conflict.
Economic concerns: States may attack during economic crises; wars are not overly costly and can serve economic interests. Economic interdependence does not prevent warfare.

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Description

Explore the contrasts between classical and structural realism in this flashcard quiz. Delve into how agency and structure shape the motivations behind state behavior, particularly in the context of power dynamics and war. Perfect for PS 3040 students.