Realism in International Relations
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Questions and Answers

What is the main point of departure for the chapter on realism?

  • The dichotomy between classical realism and contemporary realism
  • The normative aspects of realism
  • Realism as a research programme or theoretical tradition (correct)
  • The relevance of the balance of power concept

    • What is the emphasis of classical realists in their approach to realism?

  • Social scientific analysis
  • The relevance of the balance of power concept
  • Normative aspects as well as empirical aspects (correct)
  • Structures and processes of world politics

    • What do most contemporary realists tend to ignore in their analysis?

  • Classical realist thought
  • Empirical aspects
  • Norms and values (correct)
  • The relevance of the balance of power concept

    • What does the chapter critique about realist thought?

    <p>Both classical and social scientific strands of thought</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the normative core of realism?

    <p>National security and state survival</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to realism, what is the primary focus of politics?

    <p>Struggle for power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does realism consider as the fundamental characteristic of international relations?

    <p>Anarchy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which actors does realism prioritize in international relations?

    <p>States</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of great powers in international relations according to realism?

    <p>Dominating, with lesser powers adjusting to their demands</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Machiavelli, what are the overriding values in foreign policy?

    <p>Security and survival of the state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Machiavelli advocate for in relation to politics and ethics?

    <p>Autonomy of politics from ethics and religion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Hobbes' 'state of nature', what is the predominant condition?

    <p>Constant fear and a state of war</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What drives the creation of a sovereign state according to Hobbes?

    <p>Fear and the desire for security</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Hobbes describe life as in the 'state of nature'?

    <p>'Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do people collaborate to create according to Hobbes?

    <p>'State with a sovereign government'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Hobbes believe about the civil condition?

    <p>It offers opportunities for both men and women to flourish</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Machiavelli consider foolish and irresponsible in foreign policy?

    <p>Valuing peace more than survival of the state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Hobbes believe drives the establishment of peace and order?

    <p>Fear and desire for security</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Machiavelli prioritize in foreign policy?

    <p>Security and survival of the state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Machiavelli's view on politics, what should realist state leaders not follow?

    <p>Christian ethics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Thucydides, what does the standard of justice depend on?

    <p>The balance of power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What theory is Thucydides' theory often referred to as?

    <p>Theory of hegemonic war</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Thucydides, what must rulers be to survive in international relations?

    <p>Strong and cunning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Machiavelli emphasize as important for rulers?

    <p>National liberty and defense of state's interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Machiavelli describe the conduct of foreign policy?

    <p>&quot;Machiavellian&quot; activity based on the calculation of power and interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Thucydides' theory influence in the field of international relations?

    <p>Explanation of various historical conflicts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What have scholars recently discussed regarding a potential hegemonic war?

    <p>A potential hegemonic war arising from China's rise as a new superpower challenging the USA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the Peloponnesian War an example of according to Thucydides' theory?

    <p>The impact of a rising power causing fear in an established power and leading to war</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Thucydides, what do strong states do?

    <p>They do what they have the power to do</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Machiavelli believe rulers must be aware of?

    <p>Changing winds of fortune and adapt accordingly, even if it means acting against promises or moral principles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who are notable classical realists?

    <p>Thucydides, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Thomas Hobbes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main focus of classical realism?

    <p>National security and state survival</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of realism is primarily American in origin?

    <p>Social science realism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Thucydides emphasize in foreign policy?

    <p>Caution, prudence, and foresight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the Peloponnesian War, what did Athenian leaders do regarding Melos' appeal for justice?

    <p>Reject based on unequal power dynamics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did ancient Greece witness between city-states and neighboring empires?

    <p>Unequal power dynamics leading to alliances and wars</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes realism from theories in International Relations (IR) studies?

    <p>Its general orientation or paradigm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main types of realism mentioned in the text?

    <p>classical and social science realism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    • Realism is a general orientation or paradigm in International Relations (IR) studies, distinguished from theories.
    • Two main types of realism: classical and social science realism.
    • Classical realism is a normative approach focusing on national security and state survival, with some scientific ambitions.
    • Social science realism is a scientific approach, primarily American in origin.
    • Realism has a long history, with notable classical realists including Thucydides, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Thomas Hobbes.
    • Thucydides believed international relations revolve around competition and conflict between states, without moral reasoning impact.
    • Ancient Greece saw unequal power dynamics between city-states and neighboring empires, leading to alliances and wars.
    • Thucydides emphasized caution, prudence, and foresight in foreign policy, focusing on the realities of power and inequality.
    • In the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides had Athenian leaders reject Melos' appeal for justice based on unequal power dynamics.
    • Classical realist thought has been influential throughout history, shaping the understanding of international relations.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge of the different kinds of realism in international relations, including classical realism and social science realism. Learn about the core political values of national security and state survival.

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