Realism

Question 1

What is realism ?

Answer 1

Realism is a theory that regards nation states as the center of political actors in international relations.

Question 2

What concepts do realist link to ?

Question 3

What are realist ideas on human nature ?

Answer 3

• Human nature is selfish ( links to conservative ideology), self seeking , egotistical and constantly strive for there own advantage
• Nation states like human beings seek to advance their own interests at the expense of other nations
• Machiavelli argues that human beings are” rafty and shifting, and above all malignant,
  iniquitous, violent and savage’.
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Question 4

How do realist views on human nature link to unit 1 ?

Answer 4

• Realists share a conservative view on human nature , viewing humans as greedy , selfish , power hungry who seek security in an uncertain world
• View human nature as fixed not a great emphsis on reason .

Question 5

According to realists are states a key actor in global politics? Is sovereignty important ?

Answer 5

Yes, realists would argue that nation states are a key actor in global politics.
- sovereignty is very important because

Question 6

What is international anarchy ? How does this link to realism.

Answer 6

The idea that because the world lacks any supreme authority and nation states are sovereign they need to protect themselves from other nations rather than relying on any superior law enforcing body.

• According to Mearsheimer nation states exist in a self help this means that there are no night watchmen to protect/ enforce rules or international behaviour.

Links to realism because it shows the emphasis on the power of the nation state and how sovereignty is

Question 7

Is war inevitable according to realists ?

Answer 7

• Yes war is inevitable according to realists
• Nation states do not seek war but they acknowledge that there is always a threat of war r as nation-states
  constantly seek to increase their power and security.

Question 8

What is the security dilemma ?

Answer 8

A security dilemma arises when a nation state attempts to make themselves more secure by building up their defences but in turn provokes other nation states to do the same thus making it less secure

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Question 9

What is the importance of the melian dialogue? What does it show

Question 10

How does the Iraq war illustrate realism ?