Realism

Question 1

Realisms 6 principles

Answer 1

1. Centrality of states.
2. International realm in anarchy
3. States seek to maximise their power or security.
4. States are rational. - consider their actions
5. States rely on the threat or use of military force to secure their objectives.
6. Most realists believe aspects of the international system – particularly the distribution of power – are the most important causes of patterns of international politics.

Question 2

What are the 5 different types of realism

Answer 2

Classical realism, neoclassical realism, neorealism, offensive and defensive realism

Question 3

Classical Realism
When?
Theorists?
Main argument

Answer 3

• Emerged 1939, E.H. Carr
• Response to and critique of liberal approaches that dominated global politics.
• Morgenthau’s Politics Among Nations (1948).
• Human nature innately bad/selfish (Hobbes).
• Desire for power is rooted in the flawed nature of humanity.

Question 4

Neorealism
Theorists?
Main argument

Answer 4

• Kenneth Waltz
• The lack of hierarchy of the units (states) in the international system leads to anarchy and so the principle of self-help leads all the units to act the same