Quiz #1 Flashcards
what is classical realism?
a form of realism that stresses the similarities, not differences, between international and domestic politics (and the role of ethics and community in promoting order in both domains)
- balance of power & human desire
what is neorealism/structural realism?
black boxes (see all sts as the same, meaning they all want the same thing)
- the international system is anarchic in nature and therefore sts need power in order to survive
- THERE IS NO CENTRAL AUTHORITY TO CALL IN A TIME OF DANGER
- power is a means to an end (aka survival)
what are defensive realists?
argue that systematic factors put significant limits on how much power sts can gain, which works to dampen SECURITY COMPETITION (all about balancing of powers, and not rocking the boat)
- signaling this mindset could fix the security dilemma
what are offensive realists?
maintain that sts should attempt to fain as much power as possible, which works to intensify SECURITY COMPETITION
- essentially as a st you should be powerful enough that you can protect your own survival
what are the five assumptions of structural realism?
1) intern. system is anarchic (there is no central authority)
2) great powers inherently possess some level of offensive military capability
3) sts can never be certain abt. other’s intentions
4) survival is the primary goal of great powers
5) great powers are rational actors (bc. they act strategically)
To what extent do Thucydides and Morgenthau attribute the decline and downfall of great powers to their own policy changes versus foreign threats?
Thucydides attributed the fall of Athens to more internal decides (such as poor leadership, internal conflict, and additionally the overreach of the military. AKA policy changes).
Morgenthau argued that tits largely due to a combination of domestic political factors and external balancing by other states.
What are the principal ways in which classical realists differ from neorealists?
- Classical realists think that power in itself is the end, whereas with neorealists its simply the means to an end.
- Classical realists think the drive for power to be human nature (humans have an innate desire for domination and power). Versus neorealists blame the anarchic structure of international relations (there is no overarching/central authority).
To what extent can ethical precepts guide foreign policy in a world where there are fundamental disagreements about what is ethical?
- Realists are skeptical, arguing that ethical precepts are secondary to power and security.
- Liberals and constructivist see more room for ethical norms to shape foreign policy, especially through international institutions and diplomacy.
Describe the respective understanding Thucydides and Morgenthau have of theory. I what ways were they similar and different? How do they differ from the neopositivist understanding of theory that underlies most so-called ‘mainstream’ theory-building in the social sciences?
Thucydides and Morgenthau offer interpretive, historically grounded, and normative approaches to theory, focusing on the role of human nature and state behavior in international politics. In contrast, neopositivist theory emphasizes empirical testability, prediction, and objectivity, with a focus on developing generalizable and falsifiable hypotheses. While Thucydides and Morgenthau provide deep insights into the dynamics of power and politics, their approaches differ from the scientific rigor and predictive goals of neopositivist social science.
W.hat is the security dilemma and is there a solution for it?
When one state starts bolstering their weapons for protection, their neighbor is going to see that as a threat and do the same thing. A cycle that repeats itself over and over and over again.
- potentially offensive realism
