Realism in International Relations
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Questions and Answers

What is a primary driving force behind state actions in Morgenthau's political realism?

  • Moral imperatives
  • Inherently selfish desires (correct)
  • International laws and regulations
  • Cultural influences

    • How does Morgenthau characterize politics in relation to morals?

  • Politics is irrelevant to personal ethics
  • Politics can be reduced to moral considerations
  • Politics functions as an autonomous sphere of action (correct)
  • Politics should always align with moral standards

    • What does Kenneth Waltz believe is the principle of action in an anarchic order?

  • Diplomatic negotiations
  • Cooperation among nations
  • Economic interdependence
  • Self-help (correct)

    • According to Morgenthau, what should leaders focus on in political ethics?

    <p>Doing the best that circumstances permit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of human nature does Morgenthau emphasize in his political realism?

    <p>A tendency to dominate and propagate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Lowes Dickinson define anarchy in international relations?

    <p>Mutual fear and suspicion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Morgenthau suggest about imposing ideologies on other nations?

    <p>It threatens international peace and security</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Kenneth Waltz suggest about the capabilities of states?

    <p>States differ vastly in their capabilities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must states do to survive in an unequal power system according to Thucydides?

    <p>Adapt to the unequal system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which two characteristics does Machiavelli say statesmen must embody?

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

    What does Thomas Hobbes suggest about the state of nature?

    <p>It is a state of war of every man against every man</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to classical realism, what is a shared view among theorists regarding the human condition?

    <p>It is a condition of insecurity and conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the sovereign state in neo-classical realism according to Hans Morgenthau?

    <p>It is essential for achieving security and power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one commonality that classical realists agree on regarding political knowledge?

    <p>It is necessary to address insecurity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Machiavelli's views, what does he suggest about anticipating the actions of others?

    <p>It is crucial for effective governance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does neo-classical realism differ from classical realism in its understanding of morality in politics?

    <p>It separates public and private spheres, allowing for immoral actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of Realism in International Relations?

    <p>The explanation of IR in terms of power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher is known for the work 'The Prince' and contributed to Realist thought?

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

    What does the principle of dominance in Realism suggest?

    <p>Power dynamics dictate international relations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism do Realists believe is crucial for ensuring national security?

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

    Which of the following best encapsulates the Realist view on international agreements?

    <p>They are provisional and conditional</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary belief regarding human nature held by Realists?

    <p>Humans are inherently selfish</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following types of Realism emphasizes the importance of state behavior shaped by international structures?

    <p>Structural realism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the central conflict that Realism posits exists in international relations?

    <p>Struggles for power among great powers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the absence of a higher authority in the international system?

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

    According to structural realism, what is considered a key measure of a state's capability?

    <p>Military strength</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phenomenon arises from the lack of certainty about other states' intentions?

    <p>Security dilemma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do defensive realists argue about the pursuit of power?

    <p>It is counterproductive when excessive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of states as stated in structural realism?

    <p>To ensure survival</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to offensive realism, what do states ultimately seek in the anarchic international system?

    <p>Hegemony over others</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge do states face in terms of cooperation due to the anarchic nature of the system?

    <p>Fear of relative gains by potential partners</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of states in the context of structural realism?

    <p>They are rational actors seeking survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does John Mearsheimer argue about states in the context of offensive realism?

    <p>States are inclined to pursue hegemony and are more aggressive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a criticism of the realist concept of survival?

    <p>Survival leads to a lack of ethical boundaries in state actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a critique of the statist perspective in realism?

    <p>Non-state actors can challenge state authority effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>States must prioritize their security due to anarchy in the system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In philosophical terms, how does realism define rationality for states?

    <p>States identify their interests and prioritize them accordingly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the security dilemma represent in the context of realism?

    <p>The safety of one state inherently threatens another.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which argument forms part of the critique of realism's emphasis on self-help?

    <p>Historical examples show preference for collective security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do realists view national interest in relation to a state's goals?

    <p>National interest is the primary goal, overshadowing other objectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Realism in International Relations

    • Realism explains international relations in terms of power and dominance.
    • It developed as a reaction to idealism/liberalism.
    • The international state system is anarchic, lacking a higher authority (no world government).
    • International relations are a struggle between great powers for dominance and security.

    Key Thinkers of Realism

    • Sun Tzu (Chinese), The Art of War
    • Thucydides (Greek), The History of the Peloponnesian War
    • Machiavelli (Italian), The Prince
    • Hobbes (English), The Leviathan
    • Morgenthau (German-American), Politics Among Nations

    Basic Ideas and Assumptions of Realists

    • Pessimistic view of human nature: Humans are inherently selfish.
    • International conflict is unavoidable and often resolved through war.
    • Main concerns of states include national security and survival.
    • Progress in international politics is improbable, unlike domestic politics.
    • States are the primary actors in international relations, legally sovereign.
    • Other actors operate within the framework of inter-state relations.
    • International agreements are based on the willingness of states to comply.

    Realist Mechanisms

    • Four mechanisms to protect national security and interests:

      • Statism: The state is the primary actor.
      • Survival: States prioritize survival above all else.
      • Self-help: States are responsible for their own security.
      • Rationality: States act rationally to maximize their interests.

    • States desire advantage over others and avoidance of domination by others, leading to a struggle for power.

    • Alliances and balances of power are common strategies to prevent dominance.

    Types of Realism

    • Classical Realism
    • Neoclassical Realism
    • Structural Realism (Defensive and Offensive)

    Classical Realism (Thucydides)

    • States are unequal in power and capabilities so states must adapt.
    • Foreign policy should be based on foresight, prudence, caution, and judgement.
    • The strong decide what they must and the weak accept what they must.

    Machiavelli's Realism

    • Power and deception are essential for foreign policy.
    • The ruler's role is to secure state interests and ensure survival.
    • Statesmen must be strong and cunning (lions and foxes).
    • Anticipating the actions of others is crucial.

    Hobbesian Realism (Hobbes)

    • The state of nature is a constant state of war.
    • Sovereign states are created to protect from internal and external threats.
    • Cooperation arises from fear of other states.
    • Domestic tranquility is the foundation for international security.
    • International peace is unlikely.

    Common Features of Classical Realism

    • Acknowledges the human condition as inherently insecure and conflict-prone.
    • Political knowledge and wisdom are needed to deal with these problems.
    • Avoiding a permanent state of conflict is not possible.

    Neoclassical Realism (Morgenthau)

    • Humans are political animals and power-seeking.
    • The sovereign state is the primary political space for security.
    • Power politics creates conflict between nations.
    • There is a separation between public and private spheres (morality less relevant to politics).

    Structural Realism (Waltz, Mearsheimer)

    • Waltz focused on the structure (anarchy) of the international system in driving state behavior.
    • States are power-seeking out of fear and insecurity, prioritizing survival.
    • Offensive realists (Mearsheimer) see states as more aggressive, aiming for hegemony.
    • States maximize power and security through alliances or by being strong.
    • States continuously struggle for power and security.
    • The international system itself determines state behavior.
    • War may result from the absence of higher authority.

    Criticisms of Realism

    • Statism: The state is not the only actor; non-state actors influence international relations.
    • Survival: States have other goals besides security.
    • Self-help: Cooperation is possible in the international system.
    • Rationality: Intangible political benefits, miscalculations in costs and benefits, and unpredictable human behavior influence decision making.
    • Realism simplifies international relations.
    • Realism does not account for other important factors (e.g., non-state actors, international law).
    • Overlooks cooperative aspects of human nature.
    • Ignores the influence of norms and international law and other values.

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    Lecture 3 On The Theory Of Realism (2) PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the key concepts of realism in international relations, including its foundational views on power, dominance, and the anarchic nature of the international system. It also examines the thoughts of prominent thinkers like Sun Tzu, Thucydides, and Hobbes, highlighting their contributions to realist theory.

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