Realism Flashcards
What is the foundation of realism?
It is based on the belief that human nature is to pursue power and defend selves. It is not idealistic but how the world is.
What is the book written by Thucydides?
History of the Peloponnesian war
What are Thucydides’ ideas on IR?
IR is driven by endless struggle for power, due to human nature. The strong are motivated by fear, honour and profit.
What is Thucydides famous quote from ‘History of the Peloponnesian war’?
‘The strong do what they can and the weak do what they must’
What is Machiavelli’s main work?
‘The Prince’
What are Machiavelli’s beliefs about IR?
IR should be embedded in reality, not ideals. All moves are to attain and retain power, and leaders should adapt to the changing power structures in IR.
What is Hobbes’ main work?
Leviathan
What is Hobbes’ view of IR?
By nature we are equal, independent, and free, but self-interested. The state of nature represents the anarchical international system. We need a social contract.
What are Morgenthau’s main works?
‘Scientific Man vs. power politics’, ‘power among nations!
What are morgenthau’s views on IR?
Politics is governed by objective laws rooted from human nature. Interest is defined in terms of power.
What is Waltz’s main work?
Theory of International Politics
What are Waltz’ views on IR
All states are equal, regardless of regime. Anarchy leads to self help system, not human nature.
What is Mearsheimer’s main work?
Tragedy of great power politics
How does mearsheimer view IR?
The aim of states is beyond power- hegemony. States maximise relative power.
How does Zakaria view IR?
The variation between states is important. Realist ideas of IR apply to the domestic.
What is John Lewis Gaddis’ criticism of realism?
Realism failed to predict the end of the Cold War or explain it
What is Wendt’s criticism of realism?
Self help does not follow logically from anarchy- it is what states make of it. For example, in kantian anarchy, states see each other as friends, whereas, in Lockean Anarchy, states see each other as competitors
