Classical Realism

Question 0

Classical realism- the first theory in IR (IP)

Answer 0

This book purports to present a theory of international politics. The test by which such a theory must be judged is not a priori and abstract but empirical and pragmatic. The theory.. Must be judged not by some preconceived abstract principle of concept unrelated to reality, but by its purpose: to bring order and meaning to a mass of phenomena that without it would remain disconnected and unintelligible.

Classical realism: the first theory in IR
Vs idealism (belief in progress and peace through education of the people)
Idealism as a combat term (not necessarily a label chosen by those belonging to the group)
Idealists (if they existed as such) shared some assumptions, were guided by a common goal (no theory)
In contrast:realism : real, reality, how it is- semantic advantage

Question 1

Classical realism aims

Answer 1

Learn in what sense (classical ) realism is the first theory of International relations.
Get a basic idea of what the precursors to IR realism are
Understand the key tenants of realism according to Hans Morgenthau
Develop skills to apply classical realism to real world issues : Morenthau and the Vietnam war (exercise)

Question 2

Classical realism precursors

Thucydides

Answer 2

Thucydides
560-395BC, Athens
Historian
Most famous writings on the peleponnesian war between Athens and Sparta
Melian dialogue (the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must)

Question 3

Classical realism precursors

Niccolo Machiavelli

Answer 3

1469-1527
Florence, Italy
Diplomat for 14years during florentine republic
Unsuccessfully attempted to organize resistance against the Medici returning: jailed, tortures, banned from public life
Exiled
He wrote the prince

Question 4

Niccolo Machiavelli

The prince

Answer 4

Therefore, putting on one side imaginary things concerning a prince, and discussing those which are real..

Gain and maintain support
Do bad things, if necessary, be prepared to lie but hide it
It is safer to be feared than to be loved
Appearance is key: if compelled to do bad things, deceive the people stability, order and survival (of the state, as well as for the leader to remain at the top) are ends
Ends justify the means

Question 5

Classical realism precursors 
Thomas Hobbes (leviathan)

Answer 5

1588- 1679
English philosopher 
Social contract theory 
Influenced by civil war
Need for a strong central authority to avoid the evils of disorder and war

Question 6

Leviathan

Answer 6

Hereby it is manifest that during the time men life without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war, and such a was as is of a every man against every man.

State of nature, bellum omnium contra omens
Can be pacified through creating a strong government
However: domestic analogy does not hold for the international
Hints at what is later called the security dilemma

Question 7

Morgenthau’s 6 principles of political realism

Answer 7

Politics is governed by objective laws rooted in (unchanging) Han nature, truth and opinion can be separated

The key driving force according to/ leading concept in realism is interest defined in terms of power; this and not moral considerations, defines what international politics is about as an autonomous sphere of action

Self-interest (defined in terms of power) is the basic fact of human exist next, while interest as such may vary, transformation of politics is not an option from the realists’ point of view

Political action has moral significance, far from postulating universal moral principles, realism considers prudence -the weighing of the consequences of alternative political actions - to be the supreme virtue

Realists oppose ideological crusades for principle (more excess) and, in particular, for strategic reasons (political folly- possibility of backlash)

Realism denies that a moralistic approach has value: statecraft is about acknowledging limitations/ imperfections

Question 8

Key tenets and assumptions of classical realism

Answer 8

Pessimistic view of human nature

Anthropomorphic conception of international politics

International politics (relations) is conflictual

War is one means of how to cope with conflicts, war cannot be overcome (since men/states will not change, skepticism towards idea of progress)

National security and state survival are the most vital things (for statesmen and the observer alike)

Yet, there the security dilemma (see john herz on this)

Men/states strive for power (animus dominandi, will to power) states struggle for power, both as a means (to survive) and an end in itself

Wise foreign policy is to ask as all times: will a certain action enhance, maintain or undermine the power of a state? (And to act accordingly)

International politics is about states (primarily, executively)

Basic background condition: anarchy in the international system

War cannot be avoided in principle, however..

There are peace strategies even within realism . E.g. Balances of power (out balancing the power claims of others)

Realism has a normative goal: survival and maintaining security/integrity in a hostile world

Cooperation between states takes place, but it conditional and temporal; in the end, international politics is about self-help

Question 9

Mearsheimer and Walt on the Iraq war

Answer 9

Waging war against saddam Hussein is unnecessary

Saddam Hussein may be a repellent tyrant but he acts rationally, hence he can be contained

the rational of the w. Bush administration rests in flimsy foundations (WMD, use and spread), no compelling strategic rationale

Chances are that war goes badly (casualties, increase in terrorism, rise in hatred towards US) undermines US power