Kaarten: Realism (short) | Quizlet

What is realism in IR?

Realism sees world politics as driven by power and national interests.

Who are the forerunners of realism?

Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Hobbes focused on power and interests.

What is the Balance of Power (BOP) tradition?

A strand of realism including classical, neorealism, and neoclassical realism.

What is Donnelly's definition of realism?

Politics is shaped by human nature and no world government—power rules.

How do realists differ from realpolitik?

Realism is analytical; realpolitik is about short-term power grabs.

What is raison d'état?

The idea that a state's main job is to ensure its own survival and security.

What is the realist view of humanity?

Pessimistic: states pursue power and often end up in conflict.

What did Hobbes say about the international system?

It's a state of nature—anarchy and conflict without a higher authority.

What is the security dilemma?

States seeking security make others feel unsafe, leading to an arms race.

What is polarity in IR?

The number of great powers (e.g., bipolarity, multipolarity) in the system.

How do realists define power?

Power is making others do what they wouldn't normally do (Dahl/Weber).

What kinds of power do realists stress?

Hard power—economic and military strength.

Who is Edward H. Carr?

A founder of realism; he criticized idealism after the League of Nations failed.

Who coined the security dilemma?

John Herz.

Who wrote Politics Among Nations?

Hans Morgenthau.

What drives politics according to Morgenthau?

Human nature—"lust for power" (animus dominandi).

What is Morgenthau's key principle?

Interest is defined as power.

What ethical distinction did Morgenthau make?

Conviction (ideals) vs. responsibility (real-world consequences).

What was Morgenthau's Cold War stance?

He opposed moral foreign policy; wanted realism-based analysis.

How is Morgenthau's power view different?

He included both material and non-material elements.

What two state types did Morgenthau define?

Status quo vs. imperialist states.

Who is the main neorealist thinker?

Kenneth Waltz.

Why did Waltz develop neorealism?

To make realism more scientific and respond to neoliberalism.

What is Waltz's level of analysis?

Systemic—focus on the international system, not individuals or states.

Why do neorealists think states seek power?

Because of anarchy, not human nature.

What is Waltz's billiard ball analogy?

Internal state traits don't matter—only structure does.

How do neorealists view BOP?

A natural tendency caused by self-help in an anarchic system.

What did Waltz say about unipolarity?

It won't last—other powers will rise to balance the U.S.

What is the key power measure for Waltz?

Economic and military strength.

Which polarity is most stable?

Bipolarity—simpler and safer than multipolarity.

What is defensive realism?

Waltz's idea: states want security, not endless power.

Who created offensive realism?

John Mearsheimer.

What does Mearsheimer say about military power?

All great powers can threaten each other.

What does Mearsheimer say about intentions?

States can't know others' intentions—leads to fear and rivalry.

What is the main goal of states?

Survival—protect territory and autonomy.

How do Waltz and Mearsheimer differ?

Waltz: seek enough power for safety. Mearsheimer: seek max power.

What is "stopping waters"?

Oceans prevent global hegemony—limits power projection.

Criticism of neorealism?

Too focused on great powers—ignores cooperation and smaller states.

What do neoclassical realists add?

They mix system pressures with state-level and leader factors.

What factors shape the security dilemma (Jervis)?

1. Can we tell offense from defense? 2. Does offense or defense dominate?

What is balancing?

Building power to oppose a rising or strong state.

Internal vs. external balancing?

Internal = arms build-up. External = alliances.

What is bandwagoning?

Joining a strong state for safety or gain.

What is balance of threat (Walt)?

States react to threats, not just power—includes proximity and intent.

Hard vs. soft balancing?

Hard = military. Soft = diplomacy and coordination.

Example of institutional balancing?

Veto in UN (inclusive) or rival institutions like the AIIB (inter-institutional).

What is the chain gang mechanism?

States dragged into allies' wars—risk of wider conflict (e.g., WWI).

What is hedging?

Staying neutral between powers to protect national interests.

What are dominance/cyclic theories?

History-based theories on power rise/decline; stress dominant powers.

What does Power Transition Theory explain?

War risk rises when a rising power challenges a dominant one.