IR Realism Lecture Practice Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental concepts, historical roots, and key theorists of Realism in International Relations, including the distinctions between Classical Realism, Neorealism, and other modern varieties.

Realism

A foundational theory of IR that views international relations as a struggle for power among states in an anarchic system.

Anarchy

The absence of a global sovereign authority, creating a competitive environment where states must seek to enhance their power.

Sovereign States

The main, unitary actors in IR that must rely on themselves for security and survival.

Thucydides

An ancient thinker whose account of the Peloponnesian War illustrates the principle that the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.

Niccolo Machiavelli

A historical figure who offered advice on statecraft 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 realist views of the anarchic system.

E.H. Carr

A diplomat and historian known for "The Twenty Years’ Crisis" and for critiquing liberal internationalism as ‘utopianism’ during the interwar period of $1919-1939$.

Hans Morgenthau

The ‘father of modern realism’ and author of ‘Politics among nations’ ($1948$) who grounded his theories in the power-seeking nature of humanity.

Classical Realism

A branch of realism rooted in the idea that human nature, with its innate desire for power, drives the behavior of states.

Kenneth Waltz

A neorealist thinker 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 the constraints of the anarchic international system's structure as the primary driver of state behavior.

Three Levels of Analysis

A framework by Kenneth Waltz consisting of: $1$) human nature, $2$) state characteristics, and $3$) the anarchic structure of the system.

Morgenthau's Six Principles of Political Realism

A set of guidelines stating politics is governed by objective laws, interest is defined as power, interest is dynamic, morality is secondary to security, there are no universal moral principles for nations, and the political sphere is autonomous.

Self-help System

An inherent characteristic of the international system where states must rely on their own capabilities or alliances to ensure security.

Bipolarity

A distribution of power with two dominant powers, which Kenneth Waltz viewed as more stable than unipolarity or multipolarity.

Offensive Realism

A variety of realism associated with John Mearsheimer which argues states continuously seek to maximize relative power to achieve hegemony.

Thucydides Trap

A theory by John Mearsheimer suggesting conflict is almost inevitable when a rising power challenges a dominant power.

Defensive Realism

A branch associated with Stephen Walt which argues states prioritize security and survival, cautioning that excessive power-seeking can be counterproductive.

Neoclassical Realism

A school of thought including Randall Schweller and Gideon Rose that integrates systemic structure with state-level factors like domestic politics and leadership.

Spheres of Influence

A concept suggesting great powers have regional areas of dominance that other powers should respect, such as the Soviet Union in Eastern Europe.

The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy

A work by Mearsheimer and Walt arguing that domestic political pressure leads the U.S. to prioritize Israel's interests over its own national security.