Lecture 2 Realism Flashcards
Thucydides
greek/athenian general (460-395)
hitory of the poloponesian war 27 yrs athens sparta
father of modern of IR theory
right - question between equal powers
strong do as can weak as must
cause of evils lust of power, passion creates violence
Morgenthau’s Principles 1
1) objective laws rooted in human nature
politics explained by theory (objective laws)
“facts” giving “meaning through reason” logic
Morgenthau’s Principles 2
2) motivation / interest defined by power
states act because of power
Morgenthau’s Principles 3
3) interest defined by power not fixed over times
interests change and depend on political/cultural context
obama / clinton / carville - bend break
Morgenthau’s Principles 4
4) morality tempered by consideration and consequences / prudence
moral principle of “national survival”
Morgenthau’s Principles 5
5) moral aspirations of a nation not moral laws nature
blasphemous conviction God on ones side
Morgenthau’s Principles 6
6) autonomy of politics -
intellectual outlook of facets of human nature
prudence
the weighing of - the consequences of alternative political action – to be the supreme virtue in politics.”
Kenneth Waltz
Father of Neo-Realism / Structural Realism
Theory of Internaitonal Politics, and Man, State, and War
argument - more nuclear weapons better
Why Iran should get the Bomb
Neo-Realism Distinction
Unit and structure
Unit
Nation
Structure
Anarchical system of International Politics
How do we know if there is a structure?
unintended outcomes despite variety at the unit level
State (Weber)
Monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force in the upholding of order
Anarchy
the lack of such a higher authority amongst states.
self-help
citizens prepared to defend themselves
national system not, international yes
