Realism

Question 1

Key tenants (3)

Answer 1

Thomas Hobbes
Machiavelli
Morgenthau

Question 2

What did Hans Morganthau do/believe? (3)

Answer 2

Realism’s founding father
Unchanging selfish violent human nature
Power is key

Question 3

Key ideas of realism (5)

Answer 3

Statism
Survival
Anarchy
Self help
Balance of power

Question 4

What do classical realists believe? (3)

Answer 4

Anarchical society is because of flawed human nature
Drive for power is fundamental human nature
Competition, fear, war are explained by human nature

Question 5

Key criticisms (4)

Answer 5

Doesn’t focus on non state actors ie ISIS, Google
Anarchy is a socially constructed phenomenon, not inevitable
It’s a self fulfilling prophecy (ie Kissinger)
Global problems require global solutions so need to cooperate

Question 6

How do realists define anarchy?

Answer 6

Not as chaos but no global government - no hight authority than the state

Question 7

What do realists think about cooperation? (+example)

Answer 7

Cooperation is only used for self interest and states will always prioritise themselves
I.e. America and China competition over climate change will undermine cooperation

Question 8

Who are the most important players in IR?

Answer 8

States

Question 9

What do realists think about human rights? (2)

Answer 9

Sceptical of the idea of universal moral principles

States should look out for themselves over humanitarian intervention

Question 10

What do realists think about war? (2)

Answer 10

Constant threat of war

International order is unstable

Question 11

What is the main drive of states? (2)

Answer 11

Security and survival