Realism

Question 1

What is considered as the sole of IR?

Answer 1

Realism.

All other perspective such as liberalism, Marxism, etc, are considered challengers. But the prime position is always reserved for realism

Question 2

How does realism view IR

Answer 2

Realism view IRS, a constant struggle for power among nations.

In realist view, IR is the arena in which nation states compete with each other on the basis of their national interest defined in terms of powers

Question 3

Who is considered as the greatest proponent of realism in IR also the father of IR

Answer 3

Hans J morgenthau

Question 4

Book- politics among nations

Answer 4

Hans J Morgenthau , this book became the backbone of classical realism

Question 5

When did Neo or new realism emerge?

Answer 5

In 1980s with the publication of Kenneth Waltz theory of international politics in 1979

Question 6

Theory of international politics

Answer 6

Kenneth Waltz

Question 7

“Malian dialogue “

Answer 7

Thucydides

Question 8

Nature of man and nation state according to classical realism

Answer 8

Classical realism equates nature and behaviour of nation-state to that of the individuals.
Also, it takes a negative and pessimistic view of human nature very similar to how Hobbes described them. Thus, from the realist perspective the state, like an individual, is self-interested, competitive, and egoist and their behaviour maybe bullish, nasty, and brutish.
Realism takes human nature as constant and unchanging and therefore also take the nature of IR as constant and unchanging. In sum, in realist view, nature of I shall always be competitive, and conflictual.

Question 9

What is the 3S

Answer 9

3 S: Statism, Self-Help, Survival define the realist perspective of IR. States( nation-state) are the main actor in IR. Thus, realist perspective is state centric. It undermines the role of non-state actors in IR. International state system is anarchic, that is, there is no world govt to protect states in case of aggression by other states. Hence, self-help is the only way for survival of state; for survival in the anarchic world order, power must be balanced by power. Hence, balance of power is major theme in realism. State pursue goal of power maximization’ for its security and survival.

Question 10

Some classical examples of realism in IR

Answer 10

Some classical examples of realism in IR are: several Instances in Mahabharat in ancient India,

Chankaya’s ‘Arthshastra’ and his ‘Mandala’ theory;

Machiavelli’s Prince,

Balance of power during cold war,

and strategies of alliance building, hide,

bandwagon, defense, deterrence, Hegemony, etc.

Question 11

Morgenthau’s 6 principles of classical realism in IR

Answer 11

1. Human nature as the base of objective and rational political theory;
2. Interest and power are the placard of politics
3. Ever changing meanings and contexts of Interest & power
4. Political actions are independent of universal moral principles
5. Prudence and Not national moral aspirations should guide actions of nations in IR
6. Separating ‘Political Man’ from pluralist human attributes to make politics an autonomous discipline

Question 12

Other name of neo realism

Answer 12

Structural realism

Question 13

Goal of states according to classical realism

Answer 13

Maximising power
IR is constant struggle for gaining more power by the nation states

Question 14

Goal of states according to new realism

Answer 14

Power is means to security which is the goal Henem states are the security maximiser

Question 15

Main proponents of classical realism

Answer 15

Thucydides
Kautilya
Machiavelli
John Hobbes
Morganthau

Question 16

Main proponents of Neo realism

Answer 16

Kenneth waltz
John Mearsheimer
Robert Jervis
Stephen Walt
Jack Snyder

Question 17

What is nei realism?

Answer 17

Instead of basing its theory on human nature, new realism is founded on the nature of the structure of world order, which is an anarchic that is without any world government and great variation in relative power of nation states.

As for new realism . Not the inherently self interested competitive and ego is nature of nationstate represent the reality of the global politics but anarchic nature of the global order without any world government and great variability in relative power among the nation. State are the root cause of IR being competitive and conflictual.

Since there are great variations in relative power and capabilities of state self help and a survival instinct determine states foreign policy in the energy or order .

Goals of state is to ensure their security and territorial integrity . Power is means to achieve the goal of security and states are security maximiser.