Realism Reading

What is Realism?

Realism is a theory of international relations that views states as the primary actors in an anarchic international system. States seek power and security because survival is their highest goal. Relevance: It helps explain conflict, competition, war, alliances, and why states prioritize national interests.

What are the four main assumptions of realism?

1. States are the principal actors. 2. States are unitary actors. 3. Leaders act rationally to pursue national interests. 4. The international system is anarchic (no world government).

What is anarchy in realism?

Anarchy means there is no higher authority above states in the international system. Relevance: States cannot rely on anyone else for protection and must depend on self-help.

Why do realists believe conflict is common?

Realists argue that humans are naturally self-interested, seek power, and struggle to trust others. These traits influence state behaviour and make conflict common.

Who was Niccolò Machiavelli and why is he important to realism?

Machiavelli argued that leaders must prioritize the survival and security of the state. He believed rulers should be both a lion (strong) and a fox (deceptive when necessary).

What is the ethics of responsibility?

Leaders should do what is necessary to protect the state, even if those actions conflict with ordinary moral principles.

Who was Hans Morgenthau?

Hans Morgenthau was a classical realist who argued that politics is governed by human nature and that states pursue power. He believed national interest should take priority over moral considerations.

What is Classical Realism?

Classical realism explains state behaviour through human nature and the desire for power. Key thinkers include Machiavelli and Morgenthau.

What is Neorealism (Structural Realism)?

Neorealism, developed by Kenneth Waltz, explains state behaviour through the structure of the international system rather than human nature. Anarchy and the distribution of power shape state actions.

What is the Balance of Power?

The balance of power is a situation where states prevent any one state from becoming too powerful by building their own power or forming alliances. Relevance: Realists believe it helps maintain stability.

Why did the United States and Soviet Union cooperate during World War II according to realism?

They shared a common threat: Nazi Germany. Realist lesson: States form alliances based on interests and security rather than friendship.

What does the phrase "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" mean in realism?

States may cooperate with rivals when facing a greater threat to their security.

What are the main criticisms of realism?

Realism focuses too much on states, ignores individuals and international organizations, struggles to explain major changes like the end of the Cold War, and is often considered overly pessimistic.

Why is the collapse of the Soviet Union a challenge for realism?

The collapse was influenced by ordinary citizens and domestic political changes, factors realism tends to overlook because it focuses on states as unitary actors.

How does realism view international organizations?

Realists believe international organizations have limited influence because states remain the most important actors in world politics.

How would realism explain the response to ISIS?

States relied on military power, alliances, deterrence, and self-help to protect their security and defeat the threat.

What is deterrence?

Deterrence is the use or threat of overwhelming force to discourage an opponent from taking action.

Why did many realists oppose the 2003 Iraq War?

Many believed it would create instability, resentment, and unintended consequences that would ultimately harm U.S. national interests.

How is Classical Realism different from Neorealism?

Classical realism focuses on human nature, ethics, and political judgment. Neorealism focuses on the structure of the international system and anarchy.

What is the tragic view of politics?

Leaders must make decisions with incomplete information and often face difficult choices where no option is perfect.

What is the Security Dilemma?

When one state increases its security, other states feel threatened and increase their own security, creating tension and potential conflict.

How do classical realists view ideology?

Classical realists believe ideologies can be dangerous because they provide simple explanations for complex problems and can encourage conflict.

What is the Ethics of Responsibility according to classical realism?

Leaders must carefully consider the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for difficult political decisions.

How do classical realists view the nation-state?

Classical realists see states as necessary but also dangerous because states can use power and violence against others.

What lesson does the European Migration Crisis provide for classical realism?

Security threats are often shaped by political discussions, perceptions, and public discourse rather than objective facts alone.