Realism in International Relations

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the historical roots, key thinkers (Morgenthau, Waltz, Mearsheimer), core principles, and variations of Realism in International Relations.

Realism

A foundational theory of International Relations (IR) that views the global arena as a fundamental struggle for power among sovereign, unitary states in an anarchic system.

Anarchy

The absence of a global sovereign authority, creating a competitive environment where states must prioritize their own security and survival.

Thucydides

An ancient thinker whose account of the Peloponnesian War serves as a classic illustration of realism, famously stating that "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must."

Niccolo Machiavelli

An early thinker who provided advice on statecraft by emphasizing the central roles of power and self-interest.

Thomas Hobbes

Author of Leviathan who described the ‘state of nature’ as a war of all against all, aligning with the realist view of an anarchic international system.

E.H. Carr

A diplomat and historian who wrote "The Twenty Years’ Crisis" (1919-1939), critiquing liberal internationalism as 'utopianism' and arguing that IR is shaped by power dynamics.

Hans Morgenthau

Considered the ‘father of modern realism’ and author of ‘Politics among nations’ (1948); he grounded classical realism in the belief that humans have an innate desire for power.

Classical Realism

A branch of realism rooted in the belief that human nature, driven by an innate desire for power and dominance, dictates the behavior of states.

Six Principles of Political Realism

A framework laid out by Hans Morgenthau emphasizing that politics is governed by objective laws rooted in human nature, interest is defined as power, and morality cannot be simply applied to state actions.

Kenneth Waltz

The key figure of neorealism and author of "Theory of International Politics" (1979), who shifted focus from human nature to the structure of the international system.

Neorealism (Structural Realism)

A theory emphasizing how the anarchic structure of the international system and the distribution of power among great powers shape state behavior, rather than human nature.

Levels of Analysis

A framework from Waltz's "Man, the State, and War" (1959) identifying three levels for understanding conflict: 1. Human nature, 2. State characteristics, and 3. Anarchic structure (the most crucial level).

Self-help System

The neorealist concept that because the international system is anarchic, states are responsible for their own security through internal buildup or alliances.

Bipolarity

A distribution of power with two dominant powers, which Waltz saw as more stable than unipolarity or multipolarity, exemplified by the Cold War balance between the US and the Soviet Union.

Offensive Realism

A variety of realism associated with John Mearsheimer, arguing states seek to maximize relative power and aim for hegemony because security is never guaranteed.

Thucydides Trap

John Mearsheimer's theory suggesting that conflict is nearly inevitable when a rising power challenges a dominant power.

Defensive Realism

Associated with Stephen Walt, this view suggests states are primarily concerned with security and survival and are cautious, as excessive power-seeking can provoke others to balance against them.

Neoclassical Realism

A branch represented by Randall Schweller and Gideon Rose that integrates systemic neorealism with state-level factors like domestic politics and leadership.

Spheres of Influence

The concept that great powers have legitimate areas of regional dominance that other powers should respect, such as the Soviet influence in Eastern Europe during the Cold War.

Realist Empathy

A concept recognized by Stephen Walt involving the role of psychological elements, perception, and empathy within a realist framework.

"The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy"

A controversial work by John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt arguing that domestic pro-Israel interest groups cause the U.S. to prioritize Israel’s interests over its own national security.

Gender Blindness

A critique of realism for focusing on male-dominated statecraft and military power while neglecting the experiences of women and gendered dimensions of conflict.