Kaarten: Realism | Quizlet

What is Realism in International Relations?

Realism is one of the oldest and most influential traditions in IR. It emphasizes the constraints on politics imposed by human nature and the absence of international government, leading to a realm of power and interests.

Who are considered the historical 'forerunners' of Realism?

Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Thomas Hobbes are often cited as historical figures who focused on power and interests in political relations.

When did Realism evolve as a distinct academic discipline?

After World War I, especially after World War II, Realism became dominant in IR, particularly during the Cold War.

What are the main currents within the Balance of Power (BOP) tradition in Realism?

Classical realism, neorealism (structural realism), and neoclassical realism.

What is Donnelly's starting definition of Realism?

Realism emphasizes "the constraints on politics imposed by human nature and the absence of international government," making IR a realm of power and interests.

How do Realists view "Power" and "Interests"?

Politics is a game of power. States are rational actors pursuing national security and economic interests.

How do Realists distinguish scientific power analysis from Realpolitik?

Scientific power analysis is academic; Realpolitik is political practice. The former analyzes power; the latter seeks to gain it.

What is the Realist perspective on morality and law in international relations?

Realists reject idealism; morality and law do not apply equally to states, which may use violence to protect themselves.

What underlies the Realist focus on power and interests?

A pessimistic view of humanity and the world. Conflict is inevitable due to self-interest and power-seeking behavior.

How does Thucydides' observation support the Realist view?

He stated that humans rule wherever they can by nature, supporting the idea that power will be asserted when possible.

What is the Realist distinction between domestic and international politics?

Domestic politics has order and hierarchy; international politics lacks authority and is anarchic.

How does Thomas Hobbes's philosophy relate to Realism?

Hobbes's "state of nature" is a war of all against all, similar to the anarchic and conflictual international system.

What is the Realist view on international organizations, law, and morality?

They are not binding forces but reflections of great power interests and struggles.

What are the central concepts around which modern Realism revolves?

Power, the security dilemma, balance of power, and polarity.

How do Realists define "power" based on Dahl and Weber?

Power is the ability of A to get B to do something B wouldn't otherwise do (compulsory power).

What types of "power resources" do Realists emphasize?

Economic and military capabilities—hard, material power that is measurable and impactful.

What led to the emergence of Classical Realism as a dominant school?

Failures of liberalism in the 1930s and WWII discredited idealism, leading to realism's rise post-WWII.

Who are some key figures in Classical Realism?

Edward H. Carr, John Herz, Reinhold Niebuhr, Henry Kissinger, George Kennan, Raymond Aron, and Hans Morgenthau.

What is the significance of Hans Morgenthau's "Politics among Nations"?

It established political realism academically, introducing six basic principles and integrating power thinking.

What is Morgenthau's First Principle of Political Realism?

Politics follows objective laws rooted in human nature, especially the lust for power ("animus dominandi").

What is Morgenthau's Second Principle of Political Realism?

The key analytic concept is "interest defined as power," the foundation of rational foreign policy.

What is Morgenthau's Third Principle of Political Realism?

Interests are universal but their content and form are historically and culturally conditioned.

What is Morgenthau's Fourth Principle of Political Realism regarding morality?

Moral principles apply differently to states; political action must prioritize consequences and survival over ideals.

What is Morgenthau's Fifth Principle of Political Realism?

No nation's ideology is universal. States should avoid moral crusades and instead base policies on power realities.

What is Morgenthau's Sixth Principle of Political Realism?

Political realism constitutes a specific approach with its own autonomy. It focuses on the interests of states defined in terms of power, distinguishing it from economic, international law, or moral approaches. It emphasizes the uniqueness of political analysis in international relations.

How does Morgenthau conceptualize "Power"?

Power is a relationship where one party can impose its will on another; it includes material elements (military, economy) and non-material elements (morality, diplomacy, national character). It is a psychological fact and inherently complex.

What are the two types of states according to Morgenthau?

Status quo states aim to maintain the balance of power; imperialist states seek to change it to their advantage. This distinction is based on national objectives.

What distinguishes Neorealism (Structural Realism) from Classical Realism?

Neorealism emphasizes the international system's structure as the main driver of state behavior, not human nature. It aims for a more scientific theory of IR.

What is Waltz's primary level of analysis in Neorealism?

The systemic level is central. Internal characteristics of states are irrelevant; states behave similarly under anarchy.

What are the two core characteristics of the international system for Waltz?

1. Anarchy - no higher authority above states. 2. Self-help - each state must ensure its own survival. No functional differentiation among states.

How do Neorealists explain the Security Dilemma?

Anarchy leads to insecurity. When one state arms itself for security, others feel threatened and do the same, leading to more insecurity.

How do Neorealists view the Balance of Power?

It is an inherent structural tendency. Power provokes counterpower, pushing the system toward balance, often automatically.

What is "Polarity" in Neorealism?

The number of great powers in the system. Bipolarity, multipolarity, and unipolarity affect the structure and behavior of the system.

How do Neorealists, particularly Waltz, define or measure Power?

Primarily through material capabilities: GDP, military strength, technology. Non-material factors are excluded.

What is "Defensive Realism" and who is associated with it?

Kenneth Waltz. States seek security, not unlimited power. Excessive power provokes counterbalancing.

What is "Offensive Realism" and who is its leading proponent?

John Mearsheimer. States seek power maximization due to anarchy. Overwhelming power is the only path to security.

What are Mearsheimer's five "bedrock assumptions" of Offensive Realism?

1. Anarchy. 2. Offensive capabilities. 3. Uncertainty of intentions. 4. Survival is the main goal. 5. States are rational actors.

How does Mearsheimer distinguish Military Power from Economic Power?

Military power is primary. Economic power is "latent power"—a foundation for future military strength.

What is Mearsheimer's concept of "Regional Hegemony" and "Stopping Waters"?

States seek dominance in their own region. Global hegemony is blocked by oceans that prevent sustained projection of power.

What is Mearsheimer's view on Polarity and Stability?

Bipolarity is most stable. Multipolarity can be stable if power is well distributed. Instability rises if one state becomes too dominant.

What are some general criticisms of Neorealism?

1. Overemphasis on conflict. 2. Weak on internal conflicts. 3. Ignores small states. 4. Poor at explaining stability variation. 5. Oversimplifies state behavior.

How does Neoclassical Realism address criticisms of Neorealism?

By including both systemic pressures and internal variables (state and individual level) to explain foreign policy.

What are the "intervening variables" in Neoclassical Realism?

1. Leader perceptions. 2. Signal clarity. 3. Psychological factors. 4. State's ability to mobilize power, shaped by domestic conditions and culture.

What is the Security Dilemma, and who first used the term?

"Many of the means by which a state tries to increase its security decrease the security of others." Coined by John H. Herz in 1950.

How does Robert Jervis elaborate on the Security Dilemma?

It arises from anarchy, not just misperception. Its intensity depends on distinguishability of postures and offense/defense advantage.

What are Jervis's "Four Worlds" in the Security Dilemma framework?

World 1: Indistinguishable, offense wins (very dangerous). World 2: Indistinguishable, defense wins (moderate danger). World 3: Distinguishable, offense wins. World 4: Distinguishable, defense wins (stable).

What is the distinction between "Balancing" and "Bandwagoning" in Realism?

Balancing = opposing power buildup. Bandwagoning = aligning with stronger power. Balancing is preferred and systemic; bandwagoning is risky and often by weak states.

What is "Balance of Threat" and who proposed it?

Stephen Walt. States balance against perceived threats, not just power—includes proximity, offensive capabilities, intentions.

What are "Hard Balancing" and "Soft Balancing"?

Hard = military build-up and alliances. Soft = diplomatic and economic opposition, especially via institutions like the UN.

What is "Power Transition Theory" (PTT)?

A.F.K. Organski. War likely when a rising power approaches parity with a dominant power and is dissatisfied with the status quo.