Realism

Question 1

What does anarchical mean ?

Answer 1

No overarching authority above states (non- hierarchical system)

Question 2

No functional differentiation ?

Answer 2

All states perform roughly the same functions

Question 3

Unequal distribution of capabilities?

Answer 3

Some powers are great, others medium, or small.

Resources, econ strength, military capability, political stability, competence, population.

Question 4

Main assumptions of realist View?

Answer 4

• states above all else motivated to survive
• defensive behaviour so none of their number seek hegemony in system
• central mechanism of international system is balance of power
• nature of inter-state system is at any one given time by the number of its great powers
• it doesn’t matter what kinds of states these great powers are. “ requirements of states actions are, in this view, imposed by the circumstances in which all states exist”

Question 5

Critisicsms ?

Answer 5

Poor at acoustic ting for change, can’t account for all systemic transformation , no room for ethical reflection.
Rationalisation and legitimation of great power dominance, politics is kind of reduced to ‘technique’
Some offensive structural realists : e.g. Mearsheimer think structural imperatives push states to dominate . Neo-classical realists e.g. Schweller think that systemic explanations require need to supplemented with domestic ones. Walts bandwagoning theory challenges balance of power theory

Question 6

Compare classical and neo in terms of the explanatory approach.

Answer 6

Classical - inductive reasoning :actions and interactions of states
Neo- deductive reasoning : structure granted causal primacy

Question 7

Compare view of power for classical and neo

Answer 7

Classical- greater emphasis on military power and prestige

Neo - power as means , power as combined capabilities of states

Question 8

Compare views of anarchy

Answer 8

Classical - it is a condition of the system, states react in accordance to their size and domestic factors, location
Neo - anarchy defines the system, states function similarly, policy choices as a function of diff distributions of state capabilities.

Question 9

Causes of changing behaviour compare views

Answer 9

Classical - from state interactions to politics patterns and choices
Neo - systematic structure to state behaviour

Question 10

What is the raison d’etat ?

Answer 10

Fundamental principle of the international conduct- states first law of motion , “tells the statesman what he needs to do to preserve the health and strength of the state

Question 11

What was the great debate between idealist and realists 1930-40s?

Answer 11

Realists won - RLA= taught officials to focus on interests rather than on ideology, seek peace through strength. Powers can coexist even if conflicting values and interests

Question 12

Finish the sentence : realism is like a manual for states…

Answer 12

To survive in hostile environments and maximise interests

Question 13

For realist who are the main actor on the stage?

Answer 13

States

Question 14

Who work in the framework of international state relations ?

Answer 14

Multinational corporations, international organisations

Question 15

What is in simple terms how realists see human nature ?

Answer 15

Fixed and selfish

Question 16

What is the main idea of realism ?

Answer 16

A struggle for power between states, each trying to maximise thier national interest

Question 17

What is the balance of power ?

Answer 17

States acting to prevent any one state dominating

Question 18

So why is diplomacy a key aspect of states relations ?

Answer 18

World politics is about bargaining and alliances so maintain a balance of power , it is a mechanism for balancing nation interests.

Question 19

Why is the military force another important tool for implementing states foreign policies?

Answer 19

As there is no overarching power above the states that make up international political system, works politics must rely on their own ,ili tray resources to achieve their ends. Eventhough we aim to achieve ends through cooperation, the potential for conflict is thus ever present.

Question 20

What does neo realism emphasise?

Answer 20

The importance of the structure of the international political system in affecting the behaviour of all states.

Question 21

Name some realist figures

Answer 21

Machiavelli, Rousseau, Hobbes, Thucydides

Question 22

What are the three core elements of realism ? Bay,is et al

Answer 22

Statism, survival and self help

Question 23

What kind of realist is waltz ?

Answer 23

Structural

Question 24

What kind of realist was Thucydides

Answer 24

Classical

Question 25

What is statism ?

Answer 25

Term given to the idea of the state as the legitimate representative of the collective will of the people

Question 26

What does the legitimacy of a state enable it to do ?

Answer 26

Exercise authority within its domestic boarders

Question 27

Why I structure important ?

Answer 27

Illustrates a difference in domestic and inernational politics behaviour
Domestic politics = hierarchical, politics actors stand in subordination or super powers
International politics = anarchy, states do not recognise a higher power

Question 28

What is self help ?

Answer 28

Each state is responsible for ensuring its own survival and wellbeing in anarchical system.

Question 29

Give examples of systems in place for a balance of power

Answer 29

Warsaw Pact and North Atlantic treaty organisation NATO after the Cold War, to institutionalise the east and west divide.

Question 30

What is the security dilemma and who proposed it ?

Answer 30

1993 Barry Posen proposed the security dilemma a concept explaining the situation when different religious and ethnic groups that make up a state find themselves responsible for their own security . He says it so natural for this to be their first priority.