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Questions and Answers
What does political realism emphasize regarding principles?
What does political realism emphasize regarding principles?
- Principles and policies are interchangeable.
- Principles are subordinate to policies. (correct)
- Policies should be created without consideration of principles.
- Principles are always the foundation of policies.
According to Hobbes, what is true about human nature in the state of nature?
According to Hobbes, what is true about human nature in the state of nature?
- Humans thrive in an environment without fear.
- Humans possess an insatiable lust for power. (correct)
- Humans naturally seek to collaborate with others.
- Humans are inherently peaceful and cooperative.
What is the 'state of war' synonymous with in the context of international politics?
What is the 'state of war' synonymous with in the context of international politics?
- A condition of constant military conflict.
- A period of universal peace and cooperation.
- An analogy for the competitive nature of international relations. (correct)
- A historical reference to specific wars among nations.
What do realists caution state leaders against doing?
What do realists caution state leaders against doing?
Which of the following best describes the perspective of realists on ethics in international politics?
Which of the following best describes the perspective of realists on ethics in international politics?
What emotion does the anarchical international system foster according to the theorists?
What emotion does the anarchical international system foster according to the theorists?
Machiavelli's views suggest that justice and law have which role in politics?
Machiavelli's views suggest that justice and law have which role in politics?
What continuous struggle do theorists in the realist tradition focus on?
What continuous struggle do theorists in the realist tradition focus on?
What do the Athenians claim is a necessary law of nature?
What do the Athenians claim is a necessary law of nature?
What is the Athenian approach to the conflict with the Melians?
What is the Athenian approach to the conflict with the Melians?
How do the Melians respond to Athenian claims of power?
How do the Melians respond to Athenian claims of power?
What is the primary motivation outlined by the Athenians regarding their actions?
What is the primary motivation outlined by the Athenians regarding their actions?
What conclusion do the Athenians draw about human nature in relation to power?
What conclusion do the Athenians draw about human nature in relation to power?
What is the ultimate choice presented by the Athenians to the Melians?
What is the ultimate choice presented by the Athenians to the Melians?
How do the Melians view their own position in relation to the Athenians?
How do the Melians view their own position in relation to the Athenians?
What concept do the Melians invoke to counter the Athenians’ argument?
What concept do the Melians invoke to counter the Athenians’ argument?
What does structural realism suggest about states in the international system?
What does structural realism suggest about states in the international system?
According to Mearsheimer, what is a key characteristic of the anarchical system?
According to Mearsheimer, what is a key characteristic of the anarchical system?
What does Zakaria argue is necessary to supplement structural realism?
What does Zakaria argue is necessary to supplement structural realism?
What did many classical realism supporters advocate as the goal of states after the Second World War?
What did many classical realism supporters advocate as the goal of states after the Second World War?
How does neoclassical realism differ from structural realism?
How does neoclassical realism differ from structural realism?
What is a recurring theme in the theory of balance of power?
What is a recurring theme in the theory of balance of power?
Which assumption is associated with the logic of self-help in neorealism?
Which assumption is associated with the logic of self-help in neorealism?
What is the primary concern of states in the context of international politics, according to the content provided?
What is the primary concern of states in the context of international politics, according to the content provided?
What does Kenneth Waltz argue is the ultimate concern of states?
What does Kenneth Waltz argue is the ultimate concern of states?
According to structural realism, what often results from power maximization?
According to structural realism, what often results from power maximization?
What two alliance systems exemplify the balance of power mechanism?
What two alliance systems exemplify the balance of power mechanism?
How do neorealists view the behavior of states in international relations?
How do neorealists view the behavior of states in international relations?
In Mearsheimer's theory of offensive realism, what aspect does he focus on?
In Mearsheimer's theory of offensive realism, what aspect does he focus on?
What is a key difference between Waltz's neorealism and Mearsheimer's offensive realism?
What is a key difference between Waltz's neorealism and Mearsheimer's offensive realism?
What does Waltz argue is a sensible action for states regarding power?
What does Waltz argue is a sensible action for states regarding power?
What is a characteristic feature of the international system as described by neorealists?
What is a characteristic feature of the international system as described by neorealists?
What is one key assumption of realism regarding the state?
What is one key assumption of realism regarding the state?
What characterizes the current international system according to the content?
What characterizes the current international system according to the content?
What criticism exists regarding the concept of self-help in realism?
What criticism exists regarding the concept of self-help in realism?
Which statement reflects the view of pessimists regarding US hegemony?
Which statement reflects the view of pessimists regarding US hegemony?
What is a major critique of the idea that state sovereignty guarantees survival?
What is a major critique of the idea that state sovereignty guarantees survival?
What is meant by the term 'statism' in realism?
What is meant by the term 'statism' in realism?
Which argument supports the notion of declining US hegemony?
Which argument supports the notion of declining US hegemony?
How do realist scholars generally differ in their perspectives on US hegemony?
How do realist scholars generally differ in their perspectives on US hegemony?
Study Notes
Realist Theories
- Niccolò Machiavelli: Political realism prioritizes policies over principles, leaders should adapt to power shifts.
- Thomas Hobbes: Humans have an insatiable desire for power, life in the state of nature (like international politics) is full of fear and violence.
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Anarchic systems, not human nature, breed insecurity and conflict.
The Melian Dialogue
- Athens: Power dictates international order, justifying conquest over Melos, "It is a general and necessary law of nature to rule whatever one can."
- Melos: Appeals to justice and divine intervention, hopes for Spartan alliance against Athenian power.
Realist Scholars
- Hans Morgenthau: "The concept of interests, defined in terms of power, is a mechanism to understand international politics."
- Kenneth Waltz (Structural Realism/Neorealism): The lack of a world government leads to self-help where states prioritize security. Balances of power emerge to counter hegemony.
- John Mearsheimer (Offensive realism): States are compelled to maximize their relative power due to the anarchic system, uncertainty about intentions fuels competition.
Post-Cold War Realism
- Neoclassical Realism (Zakaria): Structural realism is incomplete, needs to incorporate factors like power perception and leadership styles.
US Hegemony and the Future
- Hegemony: American dominance, its appeal diminishes as other powers rise (e.g., China)
- Multipolarity: The international system shifts from unipolarity (US dominance) to a system with multiple major powers.
- Debate: Are the optimistic views about US hegemony lasting? Or are pessimist views about decline accurate?
Key Concepts
- Statism: The state is the primary actor in world politics, with sovereignty and authority over its territory.
- Self-Help: States cannot rely on other states or international institutions to ensure their survival. This is a chosen logic, not an inescapable consequence.
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Description
This quiz explores the key concepts and scholars of realist theories in international relations, including thinkers like Machiavelli, Hobbes, Rousseau, and Morgenthau. Test your understanding of political realism, the Melian Dialogue, and structural realism. Delve into how power dynamics shape international order and state behavior.
