Realism key ideas

Morgenthau – what is politics?

“Struggle for power”

Power politics theory – 2 assumptions

1. HN = selfish

2. International anarchy

International anarchy definition

There is no authority higher than the sovereign state

Power politics equation

Egoism + anarchy = power politics

Focus of classical realism

• Egoism

• HN directly impacts the state’s nature

Focus of neo/structural realism

• Anarchy

• State’s nature is impacted by the global system

3 aspects of the Hobbesian view on HN

1. Fixed

2. Desires “power after power”

3. War of all against all

Similarities between HN and a human-created state and the consequences of this

• Have the same flaws (as above)

  • Main cause of international conflict

3 areas Hobbes’ view on HN impacts realism

1. International state of nature

2. States as ‘units’

3. Human egoism

International state of nature

• Dangerous and uncertain

  • Order and stability = exception, not rule

• Due to: lack of a world gov’t

States as ‘units’

• States are coherent and cohesive

• State-centric view of international politics – they’re the most important actors on the world stage

• Due to: focus on individual conduct (Hobbes) applied to IR

Human egoism

• States are inherently selfish as they’re composed of people who are inherently selfish

• Due to: HN being selfish (Hobbes)

Raison d’Etat – explanation

• Fundamental principle of international conduct

  • Explains how to preserve the state

Existence of universal moral principles

• Haha… no

• States should not attempt to adhere to morality as it’s not universal

  • If they do, it could be dangerous

Special type of morality for statesmen

Political necessity and prudence

So is there no morality in the international system?!

• State itself is a moral force by creating a platform for the existence of an ethical political community

Dual moral standard

• Citizens / state

• One moral standard for citizens living within a state

• One for the state in its external relations with other states