Lecture on Realism and the Security Dilemma

Realism and the Security Dilemma

• Historical context: Thucydides and the Peloponnesian War

• Melian Dialogue highlights:

  • Law of nature: rule whatever one can.

  • Self-interest vs. justice: self-interest leads to safety; justice involves danger.

  • Justice is dependent on power dynamics: strong do what they will, weak suffer what they must.

Classical Realism (Hans Morgenthau)

• Politics governed by objective laws rooted in human nature.

• State interests defined in terms of power.

• Universal moral principles do not apply to state actions.

• Moral aspirations of a state differ from global moral laws.

Neorealism (Kenneth Waltz)

• International realm is anarchic.

• No division of labor among states.

• Distribution of state capabilities matters.

The Centrality of the State in Realist Thought

• State as primary actor in international relations.

• State viewed as a unitary and rational actor.

Anarchy, Self-Help, and the Security Dilemma

• Anarchic international realm: permissive cause of war.

• Self-help system leads to:

  • Security Dilemma: efforts to increase one's security can reduce neighbors' security, leading to mistrust and instability.