Q2. Classical realism

Question 1

Name the classical realist thinkers (x4)

Answer 1

Thucydides
Machiavelli
Pericles
Hobbes

Question 2

Thucydides:

Answer 2

Father of realism. ancient Greek historian. Famous for his work “History of the Peloponnesian War” where he emphasized the role of power and self-interest as driving forces in international politics. He noted that the fundamental cause of conflict among states were the fear of power and desire for security, providing a foundational concept for realist thinking in IR.

Question 3

Machiavelli

Answer 3

Italian philosopher and diplomat from the 16th century. He is the first who put forward the idea of the nation state. First thinker who separated religion from politics. First advocate of the autonomy of state (today known as sovereignty). He put forward the concept of supreme sovereign state. He believed that rulers should prioritize the acquisition and maintenance of power, even if it required the use of cunning, deception and force. Argues that in a world driven by self-interest and competition, leaders should be pragmatic and flexible in their strategies to ensure the survival and success of their states. Wrote “the Prince” emphasizing the importance of statecraft.

Question 4

Pericles:

Answer 4

An ancient Athenian statesman. Promoter of participatory democracy, fostering a sense of** civic responsibility** among citizens.

Question 5

Hobbes:

Answer 5

Father of political realism. Influenced by Spanish Armada.
Hobbes said in order to achieve more safety and peace people need to delegate their rights to one entity which will look after their security. That was the sovereign. It took the violence off the streets, and gave it to the states. Hobbes talks about the social treaty between citizens and ruler. People give up their rights for protection.
He believed that in the state of nature, people and states exist in a perpetual condition of conflict and competition due to inherent self-interest and the absence of a central authority. The argued that to escape this state of anarchy, individuals and states willingly enter into a social contract surrendering some freedom to a sovereign authority to maintain order and security. Thus, Hobbe’s realism is rooted in the idea that in the international system, self-preservation and the pursuit of power are fundamental drivers for state behavior.

Question 6

Describe classical realism

Answer 6

Classical realism is based on the presumption that the balance of power is the best. Classical realism is driven by the idea of human nature. People are naturally selfish, and to this end, so are states. States will always act in self interest and put themselves first. Because of this line of thinking, classical realists believe that the pursuit of power and security leads to outcomes such as conflict, war and power struggles. It is believed that if states do not overtly work to at minimum defend themselves then they will disappear as they will be overtaken by their more aggressive neighbors. For this reason, many states must practice an offensive approach to geopolitics in a fight for power.