Realism Flashcards
Thucydides
Wrote The Landmark, a History of Peloponnesian War Between Sparta and Athens
Famous Ancient Greek Historian
Melian Dialogue. What was it about? Key points?
In Landmark, Thucydides mentions a dialogue between Athenian diplomats and Melian officials. They argue over whether Melos should fight on Athens’ side.
Can be described as first realist-idealist debate.
If a state wants to talk about what is right and moral in IR, it must have power. Otherwise, no one will listen.
If a state wants to achieve national security, it must be powerful. They become worried when other states become powerful.
Athenians argue that nature allows states with power to dominate in IR.
Landmark Important Themes for Realism
States become worried when other states become powerful. States try to accumulate power to ensure national security.
Realists can draw on history to say national security is the most important IR issue.
Thucydides sees causes of Peloponnesian War as a result of changing distribution of power: Athens’ power was rising and accordingly, Sparta feared for its own security.
Thucydides on morality in IR
morality is never more important than a state’s power and self-interest
Countries need power to talk about and influence what other states as morally right and wrong.
Stronger states have the right to dominate weaker states.
Thucydides’ Trap and Graham Allison
Graham Allison argues that China and the US will go to war even if both do not want it because of the changing distribution of power in IR (China’s rising power going up against an established US power that feels threatened)
Thucydides’ Trap
Notion that states between whom the distribution of power is changing go to war. (Ex: Peloponnesian War)
Hans Morgenthau
Founder of Classical Realism. Author of Politics Among Nations.
Niccolo Machiavelli Life Background
Italian Political Philosopher and Diplomat
Lived during a time when Italy was a bunch of independent city-states.
Gained political prominence during Republic of Florence. Medici family expelled and democracy introduced. Appointed a diplomat and Secretary of War.
Kicked out of politics when Medici family took back power over Florence. He wanted so bad to get into politics.
Based on his experiences, he wrote The Prince
Machiavelli on Speaking Truth to Power
Does not intend to say how politics should be. He wants to focus on what politics actually is, especially how brutal. Insists anyone who wants to rule a country should focus on how things really are.
Machiavelli on Lying
Machiavelli says a prudent ruler should break promises if they are disadvantageous or if the reasons for the promise no longer exist. If humans were good, this would be bad, but because others are just as deceptive, one is justified in lying.
Machiavelli on Being Feared and Loved
It is better for a ruler of a country to have your citizens fear you than to be loved. That’s the only way to maintain power.
Machiavelli on Power
The possession of power is enough to rule. A ruler does not need to be concerned about what is a legitimate use of power. Having power means legitimacy to rule.
Rulers must pursue maximization of power as an end in itself.
Being a good ruler is not enough to maintain power.
Machiavelli on State
Sometimes credited with coining the concept of “raison d’etat”, meaning acting in the best interest of the state. (IR concept)
Lo stato (The state is the property of the ruler like a private possession.)
Personal qualities of the ruler shape the governance of a state.
Hobbes on the Laws of Nature
- The first step to overcome the state of nature if for people to contract with each other to not kill one another.
- Don’t to do to others what you don’t want others to do to you. (If you don’t want to be killed, don’t try to kill others.)
Hobbes on Sovereignty
People have natural passions, which may lead them to kill one another, even if they have a mutual agreement to not kill each other per the Laws of Nature. Therefore, government is necessary to enforce these obligations.
Link Between Hobbes and Realism
He likened the state of nature between citizens to situation between states, contributing to realism.
Says states try to obtain more power to feel more secure. In the process, they want to dominate or weaken other states. This is all due to anarchy.
Morgenthau’s Principles of Realism
- Human nature is flawed as people are selfish, aggressive and power-hungry. This is nothing new in human history. So, why expect states to change and become less so? States reflect the nature of humanity.
- States are interested in power and inform everything states do in international politics.
- Power does not always entail military coercion. There are different ways in which states can exercise power such as through manipulation and mind control.
- The state must not make morality the deciding factor when looking out for its foreign policy interests.
- No state has the right to argue that their foreign policy is morally superior. Once we realize this, it makes it easier to respect differences with other states.
- International relations cannot be understood well when studied from any other lens or field besides the political sphere. Ex: Economics and law tools are not effective tools to understand dynamics between states.
Reject legalistic-moralistic approach (Not keen on talking about what actions are moral and/or legal or not in IR.)
Morgenthau’s Thoughts on Realism vs Idealism
Idealist:
- Belief that rational, just moral order can be achieved based on some universal principles.
- Human nature is good.
- Progress can be achieved through education, reform, and sometimes, use of force.
Realist:
- International relations, reflecting human nature, is composed of conflict and competition.
Moral principles can never be fully realized in international relations.
Realism aims to achieve less evil rather than absolute good.
Morgenthau on Sovereignty, War and Peace.
Sovereignty makes states struggle for power, which leads to war.
Institutions like UN and EU have limited effectiveness due to competing interests of great powers.
Diplomacy is more effective states do not pretend to have moral foreign policy interests; can lead to international community.
Conditions for peace: Balance of Power, International Law, Morality, Public Opinion
Kenneth Waltz
Founded neorealism
Waltz on Why Wars Occur
Three images of international politics:
Individual image (The nature of particular political leaders, or human nature in general)
State image (Domestic characteristics of states such as whether a state is a democracy or not, imperialistic or not)
System Image (International anarchy is a source of war.).
Realism on the direction of US foreign policy post-Cold War
It has moved away from realism. Either a neoconservative approach (Bush Jr.) or liberal internationalist approach has been taken (Clinton, Obama).
Realists on War on Iraq
Why go to Iraq? No threat to US national security. If no war in Iraq, lives could be saved, Iran’s influence would be smaller, no Islamic State, and greater stability in Middle East politics.
Realists on NATO Expansion
Expansion not in America’s interest. There would be better relations with Russia, no Russian intervention in Ukraine. Should have focused on Partnership for Peace rather than Expansion.
