REALISM

Recall Questions and Answers

  • Define a Nation-State

    • A nation-state is a political entity where a group of people with a shared identity (nation) coincides with a governing state, exercising sovereignty over a defined territory.

  • Define Sovereignty

    • S

      overeignty is

      a state’s supreme authority to govern itself without external interference, covering both its internal and external independence. It underpins the legal equality of states in international relations.

  • Explain How Things Get Done at a Global Level

    • Global actions occur through international organisations (e.g., the UN), treaties, and collective governance efforts that address transnational issues.

  • What is the Westphalian System?

    • The Westphalian system refers to an international order based on state sovereignty, non-intervention, and territorial integrity, originating from the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. It forms the basis of modern international relations and the concept of nation-states.

Comparative Theories in Global Politics

Course Content Overview

  • Main Learning Objectives (LOs)

    • Understanding realism in global politics.

    • Recognizing Machiavellian and Hobbesian politics.

    • Evaluating the feasibility of avoiding war according to realists.

Key Terminology

  • Realism

    • A framework in global politics emphasizing that states are the dominant actors, primarily motivated by national interests and security.

  • Liberalism

    • A political theory focusing on cooperation, morality, and the potential for harmony among states.

  • International Anarchy

    • The absence of a overarching authority in international relations, leading to a self-help system.

  • Security Dilemma

    • The situation where one state's efforts to increase its security leads to increased insecurity in others.

  • Complex Interdependence

    • A theory suggesting that states are interconnected through multiple channels and that military power is less significant in global politics.

The Main Ideas of Realism

  • State Sovereignty and Key Actors

    • States are considered the central actors in global politics and they strive to maintain sovereignty and balance of power.

  • International Anarchy's Implications

    • The anarchic nature of international relations implies an absence of overarching authority, creating conditions ripe for conflict.

  • Inevitability of War

    • War is seen as an unavoidable outcome of state interactions in an anarchic system.

  • Understanding the Security Dilemma

    • When one state bolsters its military capabilities, competing states may feel threatened and respond similarly, leading to escalating tensions.

The Basics of Realism

  • Core Beliefs of Realism

    • Nation-states are the most legitimate and powerful entities in world politics.

    • World politics is inherently conflictual due to competition for power among states.

The Three 'S's of Realism

  1. Self-help

    • In a self-help system, each state pursues its own interests by maximizing power.

  2. The State

    • The interactions in international relations predominantly occur between nation-states, which make significant decisions regarding power.

    • According to Max Weber, the nation-state holds a monopoly on the legitimate use of violence within its territory.

  3. Survival

    • States are in a continuous struggle for survival, highlighting the need for military defense and conflict is often viewed as inevitable due to competition for power.

Global Military Strength

Military Rankings

  • China

    • Ranked as the 3rd most powerful military according to the Global Firepower Military Strength Index.

  • Other Asian countries in the top 20

    • India, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand.

  • Global Report

    • The report comprises rankings of 133 countries based on military capabilities.

Anarchy in Global Politics

Characteristics of Anarchical Society

  • Absence of World Government

    • Global politics operates in a system devoid of a centralized authority.

  • Cooperation Based on Norms

    • States engage in informal agreements to promote cooperation through established norms and rules that foster trust and reciprocal behavior.

Realism vs. Liberalism

Key Differences

  • Human Nature and Power

    • Realists tend to adopt a cynical view of human nature, believing power struggles are intrinsic to human interactions.

  • Order, Security, and Conflict

    • Realists emphasize the inevitability of conflict due to the anarchic nature of international relations while liberals focus on the possibility of harmonious relationships.

  • Impact of International Organizations

    • The realist perspective evaluates the significance of states and the influence of international organizations, contrasting with liberal emphasis on collective security frameworks.

Historical Context and Thinkers

  • Hedley Bull (1977)

    • Discusses an anarchical society in global politics, emphasizing a lack of higher authority.

  • Kenneth Waltz (1979)

    • Proposes that bipolarity leads to more stable international relations compared to multipolar systems.

  • Stephen Walt (1987)

    • Introduces the concept of a balance of threats and analyzes state alliances in response to perceived dangers.

  • Hans Morgenthau (1948)

    • Classic realist who posits that moral considerations in politics are subordinate to national interest; asserts the perpetual power struggle in international relations.

  • John Mearsheimer (2001)

    • Offensive realist thinker arguing that great power competition and conflict are ongoing due to states' ambitions for hegemony.

Machiavellian Politics and Modern Implications

Principles of Machiavelli's Thought

  • Principality of Nation-States

    • Nation-states operate independently in global political affairs driven by national interest.

  • Nature of Global Competition

    • An anarchic environment perpetuates competition among states, often leading to war as a natural state of affairs.

  • Morality in Statecraft

    • Ethical considerations are often disregarded; the prioritization lies in pragmatic governance and the pursuit of power.

Hobbes and Global Politics

Hobbesian View of Anarchy

  • War of all Against All

    • Thomas Hobbes likened the anarchic structure of international relations to a theoretical landscape where constant conflict prevails without governance.

  • Implications for International Relations

    • The absence of a global authority exemplifies the characteristics of an anarchic state.

Evaluating War and International Relations

Is War Inevitable?

  • Realist Perspective

    • Realists argue that as long as sovereign nations seek power, conflict is an inevitable result due to inherent distrust and lack of a superior authority to enforce compliance.

Additional Study Tasks

Article Analysis

  • Guardian Article 2018

    • Discusses a potential arms race provoked by Russia's military advancements in response to US policies. Tasks include highlighting elements of nationalism and realism.

Research Tasks

Suggested Events for Examination

  1. War in Afghanistan (2001-2020)

  2. War in Iraq (2003-2011)

  3. Brexit (2016)

  4. US-China relations under President Trump (2016-2021, 2024-present)

    • Focus on unilateral state actions and their alignment with national versus international interests.