realism Flashcards
realism vs realpolitik (reason d’etat)
theory vs. prescription (machiavelli, richeliu)
statism (3)
main, unitary, rational
classical realism- names
morgenthau, carr
classical realism- reaction to
interwar period idealism/utopianism
classical realism- big idea
human nature
structural realism (neo-realism)- names
waltz, mearsheimer
structural realism- reaction to
end of CW
structural realism- big idea
the structure of the international system shapes state behaviour
waltz
defensive realism- security maximizing
meirsheimer
offensive realism- power maximizing
melian dilagoue
melos remained neutral in the peloponnesean war, the athenians surrendered it.
thuycidides trap
the lack of intentions of the rival can lead to conflict
internal and external balancing
internal- states can only rely on themselves external- look for others who are threatened by the superpower, creating alliances for protection
bandowagoning
a state accepts to be structurally dependent to the superpower, agreeing to loose its sovereignty
security dilemma (herz)
actions taken by a state to increase its own security causes reactions from other states- which leads to a decrease in the original states’ security
dual moral standard
there should be different moral standards for citizens and external relations with other states
neoclassical realism-name
zakaria
neoclassical realism- big idea
foreign policies should be explained by reffering to both international and national levels.
evolutionary argument (4)
- threat of war- rulers forced to defend borders.
- larger/centralized states- increased tax collection and military recruitment
- expand representative rule and bureaucracy
- strong states survive, weak perish
multipolarity characteristics (3)
least stable (acc Kissinger), flat hierarchy, more reciprocity
bipolarity characteristics (3)
split hierarchy, dominance with blocs, reciprocity between blocs, relatively stable
unipolarity characteristics (3)
steep hierarchy, more dominance, most stable
neoclassical realism’s criticism of neorealism
units don’t always act similarly, perception of elites is important (states are not homogenous), a mismatch between objectives and state power (states don’t have the power to achieve their goals)
securitization
naming a threat as a priority thereby justifying a suspension of the normal rules of politics- allowing elites to take extraordinary measures
neoclassical criticisms of realism (3)
- units don’t always act similarly- regimes matter
- perceptions of elites are important
- there may be a mismatch between objectives and state power
