Realism

Question 1

What is the realist approach?

Answer 1

An approach to study international politics, emphasising the role of the nation-state and broadly claims they are motivated by self-interest disguised as moral concerns. States are either in a position of offensive or defensive realism.

Question 2

Explain realists’ four propositions, regardless of what definition is used by realists?

Answer 2

+ Statism = believes states are central-actors, rather than individuals or IGOS like liberals.

+ Anarchic political system = no supranational authority that can enforce rules over states - in a constant state of antagonism.

+ Rational actors = actions are to maximise their own self-interest, groups strive to obtain resources (relative gain).

+ Power-maximisers = to ensure their own self-preservation, they are in a security dilemma - defensive or offensive realism (building up military).

Question 3

Explain the two models used to describe liberal and realist thinking?

Answer 3

• Realist world view sees nation-states as billiard balls.
• Liberals see the world view as a cobweb.

Question 4

Summary of realism and human nature view

Answer 4

• Realists view human beings are inherently egotistical and self-interested - shares the view with Hobbes.
• Therefore, states are self-reliant and power motivated, filled by humans so it may override moral principles - believed to be fearful of other states.

Question 5

Classical realism perspective

Answer 5

The fundamental nature of humans to push states and individuals to act in self-interest over ideologies.

Question 6

Liberal realism

Answer 6

• Argues that the international system, while anarchical in structure, forms a ‘society of states’ where common norms and interests allow order and stability.
• Bull argues for its existence and its perseverance - even in times of great system upheaval (regional or ‘world wars).

Question 7

Neorealism

Answer 7

• Approach that believes in power politics.

Differs from classical:
- States are primary actors but believes that the International system is a structure acting on the state and individuals below state level act as an agency on the states as a whole.

Differs from liberal:
- Emphasises the permeanence of conflict. To ensure state security, nations must be on constant preparation for conflict via building up their economy and military.

Question 8

What is the hegemonic stability theory of international relations?

Answer 8

• The international system remains stable when a single nation-state is the dominant world power (a hegemony).
• Thus, the fall or no hegemony diminishes stability - it exercises leadership (diplomacy or coersion) and deploys its ‘preponderance of power’.
• Helps analyse the rise of great powers to hegemony and calculate the future of IR, discussing the symbiotic relationship between the declining hegemony and its rising successor.

Question 9

Criticisms of the hegemonic stability theory?

Answer 9

• Advocates that realism isn’t applicable to democratic states’ relations with each other - believes these states do not go to war with one another.
• However, realists also critique the claim and studies supporting it, arguing the definitions of ‘war’ and ‘democracy’ must be tweaked to achieve the desired result.