In-Depth Notes on Realism in International Relations

Generalities / Class Outline

• Realism in perspective
• Principles of Realism
• Theoretical consequences
• Trends
• Classical Realism
• Principles
• Authors
• Neorealism
• Principles
• Authors

Overview of Realism

• Realism is central in International Relations (IR) discussions.
• Reality in world politics is characterized by conflicts.

Common Points in Realism

• Four key points prevalent in realism:

1. Endless Disharmony of Interests
   • Nations have unique national interests leading to conflict.
2. Power Dynamics
   • Understanding world politics necessitates an analysis of power.
3. Major Actors
   • Conflict groups, mainly nation-states, are the primary actors in world politics.
4. Ambition for Realism
   • Realists aim to describe the world as it is, not as it should be.

Core Theory: Balance of Power

• Stability in international relations hinges on the balance of power.
• Main Consequences of Balance of Power:
• Security Dilemma: How states manage their security amidst threats.
• Use of Force: Considered a legitimate means to pursue national interest; realism is amoral and does not focus on ethics.
• Minor Role of Non-State Actors: International organizations, NGOs, and individuals are generally not seen as significant actors in the realist discourse.
• Power Politics in Institutions: Institutions and international laws are reflections of the power politics rather than neutral agreements.
  • Realists conceptualize the state as a unitary entity without concern for internal issues, thus "black boxing" the state.
• Rationality in State Actions: All states are assumed to act rationally to secure interests.

Key Realist Theorists

• E.H. Carr, R. Aron, H. Morgenthau: Focus on deep motives behind state actions including interest and fear.
• Acknowledge the impact of domestic politics and the irrationality of states.
• Robert Gilpin: Theoretical distinctions between classical realism and neorealism.
• Neorealism Principles:
  • Anarchical states with irresistible constraints.
  • States act as unitary entities.
  • Fewer contingencies compared to classical realists.

Key Neorealist Thinkers

• K. Waltz: Identifies three levels of analysis:
  1. Human nature (individual motives).
  2. State level variables (economic, political).
  3. International system context (anarchic nature).
• Emphasizes that anarchic systems inherently lead to conflict, as nothing prohibits war.

Social Contract Theory

• Jean Jacques Rousseau
• Utilizes a stag hunt framework to illustrate cooperation issues in an anarchic system.
• Suggests that the absence of a higher authority leads to suboptimal decision-making.

International Politics Theories

• Fundamental distinctions in domestic vs. external political spheres.
• Internal spheres possess centralized structures absent in international relations.

Power Dynamics in International Relations

• State Behavior:
• States resembling "like units" striving for security; a self-help approach dominates behavior.
• Importance of power balance and the structure of power distribution is emphasized.
• Different power configurations:
  • Unipolar: One dominant power (Post-Cold War).
  • Bipolar: Two dominant powers (Cold War).
  • Multipolar: Multiple great powers.
• Stability questions remain about states' consensus on power distribution.

Balance of Threat vs. Balance of Power

• Scholars like Stefan Walt differentiate between goals of security and the varying strategies states use to achieve security.
• J. Mearsheimer: Claims to ensure safety, state power must be maximized.
• Emphasizes a pessimistic, deterministic view; if states don't assume the worst, they fail.
• Concept of "Hegemon": be so powerful that no coalition can threaten one’s supremacy.

Offensive vs. Defensive Realism

• Offensive Realism (Mearsheimer): States always seek more power, assume the worst.
• Defensive Realism (Waltz): States prioritize security, not unlimited power, and may avoid extreme competition.
• Cooperation is possible; states may balance interests and avoid becoming too powerful due to potential costs.

Key Concepts in International Relations

• Status and Prestige: Differentiates between how states perceive their status in the global hierarchy.
• Prestige is often a non-material end goal impacting state behavior.

Critiques and Alternatives

• The feasibility of balance of power strategies is questioned.
• Many scholars argue that states focus on threats, not just power.

Power Elements in Relations

• Economic capabilities, military strength, ideology, and public opinion are key areas of focus for evaluating a state's power.
• Power should be seen through a relational lens considering social and political contexts.

Conclusion

• Realism shapes understanding of international relations emphasizing history, conflict, and the balance of power as core tenets.