Political 205 Neo-Realism Class 5

Question 1

neo-realism is an evolution of .. and it was developed by Kenneth Waltz

Answer 1

realism, Kenneth Waltz

Question 2

what are the 2 variants to neo-realism

Answer 2

defensive (states seek security) and offensive (states seek power)

Question 3

what does defensive realism argues

Answer 3

bipolar structure reduces likelihood of wars
1. simplicity of bipolar system reduce miscalculation error
2. both poles dominates their allies, reducing lilkeyhood of chain gaining
3. the absence of major wars are explained by bipolarity rather than nuclear deterrence
Cold War Bipolarity (United States vs. Soviet Union)

Question 4

what is the endowment effect

Answer 4

states are risk acceptant with regards of recapturing losses (Vietnam War (1955-1975)The U.S. escalated its military involvement in Vietnam to recapture what was perceived as a loss in the broader Cold War struggle. Despite the risks and challenges, there was a willingness to accept these risks to reverse the perceived losses, and risk averse with regards to capturing gains Gulf War (1990-1991) After Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, the international coalition, led by the U.S., focused on evicting Iraqi forces from Kuwait rather than pursuing a broader campaign to capture territory in Iraq. The goal was to achieve a specific objective without taking undue risks for larger gains.

Question 5

what is security dilemma (concept of denfensive realism)

Answer 5

means my which states increase its security reduce security of others. ex: U.S. Missile Defense System in Eastern Europe. The U.S. deployed a missile defense system in Eastern Europe to counter potential missile threats, aiming to enhance its security and that of NATO allies.Russia saw this deployment as a threat, expressing concerns that it could compromise its nuclear deterrent, leading to a perceived loss of strategic security. The differing perspectives contributed to tensions in U.S.-Russia relations.

Question 6

what are the 2 paradox to security dilemma ?

Answer 6

1. attempt to increase your security by increasing your power may actually decrease your security ex: Arms Race during the Cold War (1947-1991)
2. even if 2 two states want peace they may inadvertly aggravate their relations, can end up in wars even if not wanted ex: July Crisis Leading to World War I (1914)

Question 7

the alternative perspective: what is the reason for war

Answer 7

war are caused by aggressive states (challenger States)ex: Aggressive State (Challenger): Germany
and the failure of status quo (defender state) to defend them ex: Poland

Question 8

What is the security dilemma model:

Answer 8

where actions taken by a state to increase its own security are perceived as threatening by other states, leading to a cycle of competitive and potentially destabilizing behavior. This dynamic arises from the lack of trust and uncertainty about the intentions of other states. U.S.-Soviet Arms Race during the Cold War:

Example:The United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a nuclear arms race during the Cold War. Each side, driven by the desire to secure its own safety, built up its nuclear arsenal. However, the reciprocal buildup created a security dilemma, as one side’s defensive measures were perceived as a potential threat by the other, contributing to heightened tensions and the risk of a catastrophic conflict.

Question 9

according to classical realist what leads to peace (primary hypothesis/offensive variant)

Answer 9

uncertainty leads to peace ex: U.S.-Soviet Strategic Nuclear Deterrence during the Cold War

Question 10

according to classical realist what create war (primary hypothesis/offensive variant)

Answer 10

certainty leads to war ex: Iraq’s Invasion of Kuwait (1990)