Realism Flashcards
Name a classical realist
Hans Morgenthau
Name a neo-realist thinker
Kenneth Waltz
In IR, realism views world politics as a struggle between what?
Self interested states constantly vying for power within an anarchic system
Explain Anarchy in terms of Realism IR
The system is anarchic, there is no overarching power to enforce rules or resloved disputes between states
Key points: State as a primary actor
States are considered the primary actors in international politics, with their national interests driving their actions
Key points: Rational Actors
States are assume to be rational actors, making calculated decisions based on their percieved self interest
Key points: National Interest
The primary goal of a state is to secure its own national interest, which often involves maximising power
Key points: Balance of power
Realists see the balance of power as a key mechanism for maintaining stability in the international system, where states counter each others power to prevent dominance
Criticisms: Oversimplification
Critics argue realism ignores the role of non-state actors, international norms, and domestic policies in shaping international behaviour
Criticisms: Neglect of cooperation
Realism can be seen as overly pessimistic about the potential for cooperation between states
Criticisms: Focus on power
Critics argue that focusing solely on power can neglect other important aspects of IR like human rights and economic developments
What do classical realists believe is the source of conflict?
Human Nature
What do neo-realists believe is the source of conflict
The anarchic international system structure
What do realists say about humans?
Humans are selfish and rational
Explain the international state of anarchy
There is no ‘world government’, states have to rely on themselves to survive
What is the main concern of a state
Their national interest
Why, according to realists, is there a lack of trust between states
Because states nave conflicting national interests
How does Waltz theorise the causes of war?
First Image, Second Image, Third Image
What is the first image
The level of individual leaders
What is the second image
The level of states or the socety within which it is embedded
What is the third image
The level of the international system (Anarchy)
