Structural Realism - International Relations (1/7)

Structural Realism

• Definition: Structural realism posits that the structure of the international system shapes the behavior of states, rather than domestic politics.

• Key Principle: The architecture of international relations, primarily its anarchic nature, explains how states interact and pursue power.

Anarchy and State Behavior

• Anarchic System: In international relations, an anarchic system means there is no overarching authority to help states in times of trouble.

  • Consequence: States can never be sure they are safe from powerful neighbors with potentially aggressive intentions.

• Power Dynamics: To survive in this environment, states must strive to become as powerful as possible; power ensures security.

  • Vulnerability: Weaker states are open to manipulation and aggression from stronger states.

Example: The United States in the Western Hemisphere

• The United States' Position: As the most powerful nation in the Western Hemisphere, the U.S. does not worry about external attacks.

  • Borders: Directly borders Canada and Mexico with oceanic borders, ensuring no immediate military threats.

  • Conclusion: High power equates to safety, allowing states to focus on their security without the immediate fear of attack.

Realism Theories

• Two Major Theories:

  1. Human Nature Realism:

     • Prominent Thinker: Hans Morgenthau.

     • Viewpoint: Human beings are inherently driven by a desire for power, impacting international conflicts.

     • Concept: "Animus Dominandi" - humans aim to dominate when in positions of power.

  2. Structural Realism (“neo-realist”):

     • Key Thinkers: Kenneth Waltz and the speaker.

     • Argument: The structure of international relations drives state behavior, not human nature.

     • Emphasis: Security competition arises from lack of authority and military threats among states.

Importance of Realism

• Focus on Major Questions: Realism effectively addresses essential issues in international politics, particularly concerning war and peace.

• Simplistic Approach: Realism is a parsimonious theory, meaning it provides straightforward explanations for complex events like World War I and II.

• Limitations: While it offers clear theories for significant events, it does not explore minor actions or peripheral issues in depth but focuses on the essential questions.

Future Implications: China’s Rise

• Predictions:

  • Economic Growth: If China's economy continues to rise, it will likely translate into military power.

  • Hegemony Aspiration: China aims to dominate Asia, learning from historical vulnerabilities from 1850-1950.

• United States' Response:

  • Continual Rivalry: The U.S. seeks to prevent China from becoming a regional hegemon, similar to past containment of the Soviet Union.

  • Regional Allies: Neighboring countries such as Japan, South Korea, and India will join forces with the U.S. to limit China's influence.

Can China Rise Peacefully?

• Conclusion: Based on structural realism, the speaker argues that China’s rise cannot be peaceful due to inherent security competition in the anarchic international system.

Structural Realism

Definition and Key Principle

Structural realism posits that the structure of the international system shapes the behavior of states rather than domestic politics. The architecture of international relations, primarily its anarchic nature, explains how states interact and pursue power.

Anarchy and State Behavior

In international relations, an anarchic system means there is no overarching authority to assist states in times of trouble, leading to uncertainty about safety from powerful neighbors with potentially aggressive intentions. To survive in this environment, states must strive to become as powerful as possible since power ensures security. As a result, weaker states are vulnerable to manipulation and aggression from stronger states. For example, the United States, as the most powerful nation in the Western Hemisphere, feels secure and does not worry about external attacks. It shares borders with Canada and Mexico while possessing oceanic borders, which mitigates immediate military threats. Thus, high power equates to safety, allowing states to focus on their security without the immediate fear of attack.

Realism Theories

There are two major theories within realism. First, Human Nature Realism, with Hans Morgenthau as a prominent thinker, posits that human beings are inherently driven by a desire for power, affecting international conflicts. This theory is based on the concept of "Animus Dominandi," where humans aim to dominate when in positions of power. The second theory, Structural Realism, advocated by key thinkers like Kenneth Waltz argues that the structure of international relations drives state behavior, not human nature. It emphasizes that security competition arises from a lack of authority and military threats among states.

Importance of Realism

Realism effectively addresses essential issues in international politics, particularly concerning war and peace. This theory is considered parsimonious, offering straightforward explanations for complex events like World War I and II. However, while it provides clear theories for significant events, it does not explore minor actions or peripheral issues in depth but focuses on the essential questions surrounding international relations.

Future Implications: China’s Rise

Looking ahead, if China's economy continues to rise, it is likely to translate into military power, as China aspires to dominate Asia, drawing lessons from historical vulnerabilities it faced between 1850 and 1950. In response, the United States seeks to prevent China from becoming a regional hegemon, reminiscent of its past containment strategy regarding the Soviet Union. Additionally, regional allies like Japan, South Korea, and India will likely join forces with the U.S. to limit China's influence. Ultimately, based on structural realism, it can be argued that China's rise cannot be peaceful due to the inherent security competition that exists within the anarchic international system.

Offensive Realism vs. Defensive Realism:

• Offensive Realism posits that states are inherently aggressive and seek to maximize their power and influence aggressively in the international system. This theory suggests that states pursue hegemony and may initiate conflict to achieve their goals.

• Defensive Realism, in contrast, argues that states are primarily concerned with maintaining their security and survival rather than seeking power for its own sake. It emphasizes that states are more likely to act defensively in response to threats rather than through aggression.

Classical Realism Definition: Classical Realism is the earlier of the two theories, theorized by thinkers like Hans Morgenthau. It holds that human nature, driven by a desire for power and domination, fundamentally influences international politics and conflicts. It emphasizes the role of moral ambiguity, national interest, and the anarchic nature of international relations.