Global Politics: Realism And Liberalism Flashcards
Realism background
- People are essentially selfish and competitive, egoism is the defining characteristic of human nature.
- pessimistic view when it comes to global politics.
Selfish humans & states
- States are ruled by self-centered humans; therefore, they will seek their own national interests.
- State nature reflects human nature.
- States cannot trust others to work in their interests.
- states should expect betrayal.
- his leads to conflict as states cannot trust others to side with them.
States are:
- Rational: states will only make international relations if the benefits outweigh the potential costs.
- Amoral: justice and human rights play a minimal role in international relations. A state should achieve the aims it seeks, no matter the method of achieving them.
- Power-seeking: states seek economic and military power. This gives them security and protection
Security Dilemma
In global politics, there are two main power balances:
Imbalance of power: a minority of states, hold the majority of power in the international community. risk of conflict if this power goes unchecked.
Balance of power: harmony as no single state is more powerful than a group of others.
In an imbalance of power, states look to increase their national security, which leads to other states doing the same for their own protection. This creates a cycle by which states increase their military and security resources, which risks increased conflict.
International Anarchy
- if states are the highest power in international politics, and there is no global government to keep states in check, then the international community is anarchical.
Billiard ball model:
when states come together, instead of building a link they will bounce off each other (conflict), which pushes them further apart.
Key realist thinkers
- Hans Morgenthau, Politics Among Nations (1948)
- John Mearsheimer, The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (2001)
Hans Morgenthau
- classical realist thinker.
- Political man is a naturally selfish creature and will always try to dominate and have power over others.
- Moral considerations in global politics are less important than the national interest.
John Mearsheimer
- conflict and competition for power between the great world powers will continue.
- States are trying to secure hegemony, meaning they want to dominate all other states within a region.
Liberalism view on human nature
- Individuals are altruistic and capable of a selfless concern for others.
Liberal view on Harmony & Balance
- if people are altruistic and selfless, states also act selflessly.
- states can choose to be aggressive or co-operative. Conflict is not inevitable.
- harmony could result from the creation of international organizations.
Liberal view on Complex Interdependence
- States are inextricably tied together.
- Relationships between states are increasing; conflict is decreasing.
- States increasingly prioritizing trade over war, leading to a decline in the use of military force
Liberal view on global governance
- The willingness of states to co-operate allows for the creation of global governance
- A number of non-state actors are highly influential in international relations.
Religious groups: ISIS
Social movements: Extinction Rebellion
Businesses: Amazon
Key liberal Thinkers
- Woodrow Wilson
- Robert Keohane
Robert Keohane
- International relations and global politics should no longer been seen as just between states.
- emergence of other non-state actors mean that states’ prevalence in international politics is decreasing.