Realism

Question 1

What is realism?

Answer 1

Realism in international relations is a theoretical perspective that posits states as rational actors primarily motivated by self-interest, national security, and the quest for power. It emphasizes the competitive nature of the international system, where states operate in an anarchic environment, navigating interactions with a focus on survival and the preservation of sovereignty.

Question 2

Core assumptions

Answer 2

Realism assumes that states are the primary actors in international relations, and their behavior is driven by self-interest, power, and the pursuit of national security.

Question 3

Realism Key figures

Answer 3

Thucydides, Machiavelli, Morgenthau, Waltz.

Question 4

Realism Key concepts

Answer 4

Balance of power, national interest, anarchy.

Question 5

What is the realist triangle?

Answer 5

the three „S”: Statism, Self-Help, Survival

Question 6

Statism

Answer 6

• The State = the main or even the only actor of IR
• The monopoly of legitimate violence (M. Weber)
• An implicit principle that became explicit (after the Peace of Westphalia 1648): sovereignty resulting from mutual recognition
• The moral legitimacy of the state (vs. a-morality)
• Centrality of power (different types: military, political, economic etc.)

Question 7

Self-help

Answer 7

• States are alone, have to be self-sufficient
• The spiral of insecurity: arms’ race – action/reaction (Jean-Pascal Zender)
• Relative gains > Absolute gains (J. Grieco)
• The result: the balance of powers?
  Absolute gains refer to the overall benefits or advantages that a state or actor gains from a particular international interaction or agreement, without necessarily comparing these gains to the gains of others.
  Relative gains, on the other hand, refer to the comparison of gains or benefits between different states or actors involved in a particular international interaction or agreement.

Question 8

Survival

Answer 8

Minimal objective (vs. maximal objective = global hegemony)
* The absolute obligation of the head of the state: to make it survive, as in the state/sovereign — citizens contract (Th. Hobbes)
*Double morals: domestic vs. foreign responsibility
*Ofensive R vs. Defensive R
* Offensive Realism: John Mearsheimer
The best defence is the preventive attack
* Defensive Realism: Kenneth Waltz
The need is to keep duce the number of potential enemies low

Question 9

International Anarchy

Answer 9

The condition in international relations characterized by the absence of a central governing authority or world government. It does not imply chaos but denotes the lack of a universally recognized authority to regulate the behavior of sovereign states.

Question 10

Key points of International Anarchy

Answer 10

1.Sovereign States:
States are autonomous entities with no higher authority.

2.Absence of World Government:
No centralized global government to enforce laws.

3.State Autonomy:
Independent decision-making on domestic and foreign policy.

4.Self-Help and Survival:
States rely on self-help strategies for survival.

5.Balance of Power:
States seek to prevent dominance by balancing power.

6.Diplomacy and Negotiation:
Crucial for securing agreements and advancing interests.

7.International Organizations and Treaties:
Effectiveness depends on state compliance; lacks centralized enforcement.

8.Security Dilemma:
Actions to enhance security may unintentionally increase tensions.

Question 10

Realism perspective of globalization

Answer 10

From a realist perspective in international relations, globalization is often analyzed through the lens of state-centric interests, power dynamics, and the impact on national security. Realism, as a theoretical framework, emphasizes the primacy of the state as the key actor in international relations, driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power.

Question 11

Neo-realism

Answer 11

Neo-realism, also known as structural realism, is a school of thought in international relations that builds upon classical realism but introduces structural considerations and systemic constraints to explain state behavior. Developed in response to the perceived limitations of classical realism, neo-realism is associated with scholars like Kenneth Waltz.

Question 12

Systemic Structure

Answer 12

Neo-realism focuses on the anarchic structure of the international system. It contends that the absence of a central authority in international relations creates a self-help system where states must rely on their own capabilities to ensure survival.

Question 13

Distribution of Power

Answer 13

A central theme in neo-realism is the distribution of power among states. The structure of the international system shapes how power is distributed, influencing the behavior of states. According to neo-realists, bipolar and multipolar systems have distinct dynamics.

Question 14

Balance of Power

Answer 14

Neo-realists argue that states engage in balancing behavior to prevent the emergence of a hegemon that could threaten their interests. Balancing can take the form of forming alliances, acquiring military capabilities, or engaging in diplomatic efforts to counteract a rising power.

Question 15

Focus on Structure, not Human Nature

Answer 15

Unlike classical realism, neo-realism places less emphasis on the inherent nature of states or leaders and more on the systemic structure that shapes their behavior. It seeks to explain patterns of state behavior based on the international system’s constraints.