IR theories

Question 1

Idealism/ Utopianism

Answer 1

-Sir Thomas More introduced the term utopia
-Other: Max Weber, Karl Mannheim
-Describing the ideal city state
-Eutopia-the good place
Utopia-no place

Question 2

Basic tenets of ideaism

Answer 2

-human nature is good, malleable, and peaceful
-Humans are rational and passionate

Question 3

Realism

Answer 3

-E.H. Carr, morgenthau

Question 4

Basic tenets of Realism

Answer 4

-Nation states are the most important actors
-states have no affinity to each other

Question 5

Neorealism

Answer 5

-KENNETH WALTZ was the main actor
-begins with the premise that the international system is anarchic
-there is no higher authority than the state
-Thus no one to enforce the rules of the game
-No one to force states to keep their promises
-No one to force states to keep their promises
-Violence therefore becomes the permanent condition of th international system

Question 6

Structural Realism

Answer 6

-A departure from traditional realism, or classical realism
-Grand theory of IR
-an abstraction of reality, a simplification of complexity, a construction of what one thinks reality is

Question 7

Essence of Waltz Neo realism

Answer 7

-Separation of internal and external units
-The structure influences the behaviour of the units
-The structure is also defined by the character of the Great power units
-The structure is defined by ordering principles- anarchy/ distribution of capability among the units
-When the number of great powers change, the behaviour of the other units can vary

Question 8

What are the units of the global. system?

Answer 8

Strong medium and weak states

Question 9

Defensive realism

Answer 9

optimistic part of realism

Question 10

John Mearsheimer

Answer 10

argues that the Great powers can guarantee the survival of the lesser units in the system by forming alliances, creating balance of power, and violence being avoided through deterrence