Realism Flashcards
HJvxsjhdvchwlq
who was the “original” Realist thinker
Thucydides
what are the two central concepts of classical relist thought
Power and Conflict
According to realists what is it not possible to do in international relations
go beyond division and potential hostility
do classical realists value international order and community?
Yes
what is the foundational work of thucydides
History of the Peloponnesian war
what 3 causes of conflict did Thucydides cite
Fear; Athens was feared by the other greek city states
Balance of power; Athens disrupted the balance of power and other states acted in order to defend themselves
Ambition: Athens had become drunk of her own power not realising that other states would react
where does the quote “ the strong do what they can, the weak suffer what they must’ originate
The melian dialogue
what did E.H. Carr argue in his book “ the 20 years crisis “
Idealism was putting the what “ought” of what “is” and this was its fundamental flaw. realism therefore was superior in that it addressed the “is”
How did Morgenthau view power
Power drive rooted in human nature – animus dominandi
What are the 6 principles of political realism
6 principles of political realism: 1) objective laws, 2) concept of interest defined in terms of power, 3) consistency of interests 4) complex morality amongst states 5) no universal morality 6) autonomy of political sphere
was classical realism a “scientific” theory
no
what are the key concepts of classical realism
Power and conflict – divided international space, no universalism
Order and community – groups as basic units
National interest – enlightened self-interest
Balance of power – key ordering mechanism
Limits – do not over-reach!
Hubris – against ‘scientism’
Tragedy – rise and fall of Great Powers
Prudence – relative balance of forces, stay within the limits!
Judgement – statesmanship and the lesser evil
