Realist Theories in International Politics
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Realist Theories in International Politics

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Questions and Answers

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?

  • 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?

  • 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  • A historical reference to specific wars among nations.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?

    <p>Sacrificing their own self-interests for ethics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the perspective of realists on ethics in international politics?

    <p>Moral principles play a minimal role.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What emotion does the anarchical international system foster according to the theorists?

    <p>Fear, jealousy, and suspicion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Machiavelli's views suggest that justice and law have which role in politics?

    <p>They are either irrelevant or limited.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What continuous struggle do theorists in the realist tradition focus on?

    <p>The struggle for power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do the Athenians claim is a necessary law of nature?

    <p>To rule whatever one can</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Athenian approach to the conflict with the Melians?

    <p>They utilize superior military might to impose their will.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the Melians respond to Athenian claims of power?

    <p>By arguing that justice and honor should prevail</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary motivation outlined by the Athenians regarding their actions?

    <p>The pursuit of safety and self-interest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conclusion do the Athenians draw about human nature in relation to power?

    <p>Human behavior is driven by a need for dominance and control.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate choice presented by the Athenians to the Melians?

    <p>To align with Athenian interests or face destruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the Melians view their own position in relation to the Athenians?

    <p>They see themselves as equal despite Athenian power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept do the Melians invoke to counter the Athenians’ argument?

    <p>The importance of justice and the will of the gods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does structural realism suggest about states in the international system?

    <p>States seek to maximize their security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Mearsheimer, what is a key characteristic of the anarchical system?

    <p>It compels states to maximize their relative power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Zakaria argue is necessary to supplement structural realism?

    <p>Insights from individual leaders' perspectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did many classical realism supporters advocate as the goal of states after the Second World War?

    <p>To maximize their power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does neoclassical realism differ from structural realism?

    <p>It incorporates unit-level variables.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a recurring theme in the theory of balance of power?

    <p>It is a dynamic process where power shifts among states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which assumption is associated with the logic of self-help in neorealism?

    <p>States prioritize their own survival and interests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern of states in the context of international politics, according to the content provided?

    <p>Relative power positions and security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Kenneth Waltz argue is the ultimate concern of states?

    <p>Ensuring national security</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to structural realism, what often results from power maximization?

    <p>Formation of coalitions against the state</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What two alliance systems exemplify the balance of power mechanism?

    <p>Warsaw Pact and NATO</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do neorealists view the behavior of states in international relations?

    <p>As security maximizers primarily</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Mearsheimer's theory of offensive realism, what aspect does he focus on?

    <p>The structure of the international system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between Waltz's neorealism and Mearsheimer's offensive realism?

    <p>Mearsheimer emphasizes interstate conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Waltz argue is a sensible action for states regarding power?

    <p>To possess an appropriate amount of power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of the international system as described by neorealists?

    <p>Anarchic structure without overarching authority</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one key assumption of realism regarding the state?

    <p>The state is the pre-eminent actor in world politics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the current international system according to the content?

    <p>A transition from unipolarity to multipolarity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What criticism exists regarding the concept of self-help in realism?

    <p>Self-help is not an inevitable consequence of a lack of world government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement reflects the view of pessimists regarding US hegemony?

    <p>Current trends indicate US hegemony is waning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major critique of the idea that state sovereignty guarantees survival?

    <p>Sovereignty can be challenged from both within and outside.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'statism' in realism?

    <p>The idea that the state is the sole authority in world politics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which argument supports the notion of declining US hegemony?

    <p>China's rise in power is evidence of shifting forces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do realist scholars generally differ in their perspectives on US hegemony?

    <p>They interpret empirical evidence in entirely contradictory ways.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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