38 Questions
What is the main point of departure for the chapter on realism?
Realism as a research programme or theoretical tradition
What is the emphasis of classical realists in their approach to realism?
Normative aspects as well as empirical aspects
What do most contemporary realists tend to ignore in their analysis?
Norms and values
What does the chapter critique about realist thought?
Both classical and social scientific strands of thought
What is the normative core of realism?
National security and state survival
According to realism, what is the primary focus of politics?
Struggle for power
What does realism consider as the fundamental characteristic of international relations?
Anarchy
Which actors does realism prioritize in international relations?
States
What is the role of great powers in international relations according to realism?
Dominating, with lesser powers adjusting to their demands
According to Machiavelli, what are the overriding values in foreign policy?
Security and survival of the state
What did Machiavelli advocate for in relation to politics and ethics?
Autonomy of politics from ethics and religion
In Hobbes' 'state of nature', what is the predominant condition?
Constant fear and a state of war
What drives the creation of a sovereign state according to Hobbes?
Fear and the desire for security
What does Hobbes describe life as in the 'state of nature'?
'Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short'
What do people collaborate to create according to Hobbes?
'State with a sovereign government'
What does Hobbes believe about the civil condition?
It offers opportunities for both men and women to flourish
What does Machiavelli consider foolish and irresponsible in foreign policy?
Valuing peace more than survival of the state
What does Hobbes believe drives the establishment of peace and order?
Fear and desire for security
What does Machiavelli prioritize in foreign policy?
Security and survival of the state
According to Machiavelli's view on politics, what should realist state leaders not follow?
Christian ethics
According to Thucydides, what does the standard of justice depend on?
The balance of power
What theory is Thucydides' theory often referred to as?
Theory of hegemonic war
According to Thucydides, what must rulers be to survive in international relations?
Strong and cunning
What did Machiavelli emphasize as important for rulers?
National liberty and defense of state's interests
How did Machiavelli describe the conduct of foreign policy?
"Machiavellian" activity based on the calculation of power and interests
What did Thucydides' theory influence in the field of international relations?
Explanation of various historical conflicts
What have scholars recently discussed regarding a potential hegemonic war?
A potential hegemonic war arising from China's rise as a new superpower challenging the USA
What was the Peloponnesian War an example of according to Thucydides' theory?
The impact of a rising power causing fear in an established power and leading to war
According to Thucydides, what do strong states do?
They do what they have the power to do
What did Machiavelli believe rulers must be aware of?
Changing winds of fortune and adapt accordingly, even if it means acting against promises or moral principles
Who are notable classical realists?
Thucydides, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Thomas Hobbes
What is the main focus of classical realism?
National security and state survival
Which type of realism is primarily American in origin?
Social science realism
What did Thucydides emphasize in foreign policy?
Caution, prudence, and foresight
In the Peloponnesian War, what did Athenian leaders do regarding Melos' appeal for justice?
Reject based on unequal power dynamics
What did ancient Greece witness between city-states and neighboring empires?
Unequal power dynamics leading to alliances and wars
What distinguishes realism from theories in International Relations (IR) studies?
Its general orientation or paradigm
What are the two main types of realism mentioned in the text?
classical and social science realism
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.
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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