Realism

Question 1

Define classical realism

Answer 1

Classical realism is a form of realism that explains power politics largely in terms of human selfishness or egoism.

Question 2

Who are the key figures within classical realism?

Answer 2

Thucydides
Niccolo Machiavelli
Morgenthau
Thomas Hobbes

Question 3

What are the key points of classical realism regarding war and peace?

Answer 3

War is inevitable and natural due to human nature, which is fixed due to nature, not nurture.

Question 4

What are the key points of classical realism regarding human nature?

Answer 4

Fundamental aspects of human nature are the pursuit of power and the will to dominate, hence the behaviour of the state as a self-seeking egoist is a reflection of human nature
Human nature explains the competition, fear and war that are prominent features in international politics

Question 5

What is classical realism fundamentally about?

Answer 5

The struggle for belonging, a struggle that’s often violent.

Question 6

What do classical realists believe about the anarchical structure of global politics?

Answer 6

It impacts on the behaviour of states - Thucydides ‘the growth of Athenian underlying power and the fear which this caused in Sparta.’

Question 7

What do classical realists believe nations must do?

Answer 7

Pursue their national self-interest and no rationale other than national self interest is acceptable.

Question 8

When do classical realists believe that co-operation is justifiable?

Answer 8

It is only justifiable if you benefit more than others (comparative, rather than absolute advantage)

Question 9

What is the balance of power, in the view of classical realists?

Answer 9

It is a product of careful statecraft.

Question 10

Why do classical realists believe that instinct prevails over intellect?

Answer 10

As human beings are driven by non-rational appetites: aversions, fears, hopes and desires, the strongest of which is the desire to exercise power over others. Intellect and reason may guide us in pursuing these appetites.

Question 11

What did Machiavelli believe humans to be?

Answer 11

Human are ‘insatiable, arrogant, crafty’, ‘violent and savage’ and he encourages rulers to lead through cunning, cruelty and manipulation.

Question 12

Give an example of a quote from Hobbes

Answer 12

‘power after power’.

Question 13

Define neo-realism

Answer 13

Neo-realism is a perspective on international politics that modifies the power politics model by highlighting the structural constraints of the international system; sometimes called ‘new’ or structural realism.

Question 14

Who are key figures within neo-realism?

Answer 14

Kenneth Waltz

Question 15

What do neo-realists consider that classical realists don’t?

Answer 15

They look at the ‘systems’ of international relations, rather than the individual state

Question 16

How do neo-realists view the balance of power?

Answer 16

The balance of power is a consequence of the structural dynamics of the international system - the distribution of power (or capacities) between and among states.

Question 17

What is the neo-realist view on unipolarity?

Answer 17

They usually accept that the world system is more stable/peaceful if there is one superpower (hegemony).

Question 18

What is the neo-realist view of bipolarity?

Answer 18

Bipolarity is generally associated with stability and a reduced likelihood of war

Question 19

What is the neo-realist view of multipolarity?

Answer 19

Generally associated with instability and a reduced likelihood of war.

Question 20

How do neo-realists view international politics?

Answer 20

It’s essentially a struggle for power, but they attribute security, competition and inter-state conflict to the lack of an overarching authority above states and the relative distribution of power in the international system.

Question 21

What do neo-realists believe that international anarchy necessarily tends towards?

Answer 21

Tension
Conflict
The inevitable possibility of war

Question 22

What are one of the three reasons for neo-realists having their belief regarding international anarchy regarding states?

Answer 22

States are separate, autonomous and formally equal political units, they must ultimately rely on their own resources to realise their interests - anarchy results in a system of ‘self help’, as states can’t count on anyone else to take care of them.

Question 23

What are one of the three reasons for neo-realists having their belief of international anarchy regarding security?

Answer 23

The security dilemma

Question 24

What are one of the three reasons for neo-realists having their belief of international anarchy regarding state’s primary concerns?

Answer 24

They are primarily concerned with maintaining or improving their position relative to other states; with making relative gains - the position of states in relation to one another, reflected in the distribution of benefits and capabilities between and amongst them. This discourages cooperation and reduces the effectiveness of international organisations, as although all states may benefit from a particular action or policy, each state is actually more worried about whether other states benefit more than it does.

Question 25

What is offensive realism?

Answer 25

A form of structural realism that argues that the combination of anarchy and endemic uncertainty about the actions of others forces states continually to seek to accumulate power, resulting in the primary motivation of states being the acquisition of power and (in this view) all states are would be ‘hyperpowers’ or ‘global hegemons’, meaning that perpetual great-power competition is inevitable. They also believe that if the balance of power breaks down (as it tends to in multipolar systems) there is a very real likelihood that war will break out.

Question 26

Who are figures in offensive realism?

Answer 26

John Mearsheimer

Question 27

What is defensive realism?

Answer 27

A form of structural realism that argues that while states can be expected to act to prevent other state’s from making gains at their expense, thereby achieving relative gains, they don’t necessarily seek to maximise their own gains. In short, states tend to prioritise security over power, in which case states will generally be reluctant to go to war, regardless of the dynamics of the international system.

Question 28

Who are figures in defensive realism?

Answer 28

Mastanduno

Question 29

What does neo-realism view as a defect of classical realism?

Answer 29

Its inability to explain behaviour at a level above the state, it can only explain internal behaviour.

Question 30

What are the criticisms of realism?

Answer 30

Too simplistic
Fails to recognise that international relations can change/evolve
Fails to recognise the role played by non state actors (e.g. MNCs, NGOs etc)
View on human nature is too cynical
Overlooks the extent to which states can benefit from co-operation and absolute advantage
State’s don’t always behave rationally