REALISM

Question 1

What is the “state of nature theory” Thomas Hobbes

Answer 1

. no order war is inevitable

. anarchy( lack of order is due to greedy human nature)

Question 2

What does morgenthaus work tell us “politics among Nations”

Answer 2

. The importance of power in the international system
. He lived through the wars and saw international politics as a struggle for power
. All states seek is power as a means to an end

Question 3

What does Waltz work on the “Theory of international politics”

Answer 3

. Analysis of IR must be done in three levels.
. International politics is best understood at the Global level
. The cause of conflict is not human nature but structures of international systems (perception of anarchy difference with classical realists)
. states seek power as a means of survival

Question 4

link between hobbes theory and waltz

Answer 4

. Neorealists believe that anarchy in the international system is due to a lack of a central authority has hobbs proposed.

Question 5

what did the diplomat George F kennan do?

Answer 5

. adviced the US to use force to contain the spread of communism
. adviced the US to balance power with the soviet union

Question 6

what do we learn from John Mearsheimer

Answer 6

. states seek power to dominate and going beyond survival

. aggression is required for survival

Question 7

what are core Realists arguments

Answer 7

. states are the dominant actors in the international system
. the International system is anarchical
. States act in their own self interest
. Power is the most important factor in International relations
TBC

Question 8

Critique of Realism

Answer 8

. Treats states as equals, e=though there are variations in state sizes therefore “states are dominant actors” argument is difficult to accept
. Plausible to totally rule out true cooperatiobn