Realism

Question 1

What are the four pillars of realism?

Answer 1

1) You’re on your own. The international realm is anarchic aka a self help system
2) Watch your back, survival aka security is the primary concern
3) Only the strong survive, material capabilities improve security “might means right”
4) States (and other great powers) are by far the most important actors in the international realm?

Question 2

What do realism actors believe are the most important actors in the international realm?

Answer 2

The state and great powers

Question 3

What do realists not put importance on?

Answer 3

Ideology
ideas and norms
non-state actors
international organisations
individual characteristics of the state and leaders
foreign policy (for neo-realists)
domestic politics

Question 4

What are the 3 claims of the evolution of structural realism?

Answer 4

Claim 1: man is the product of his environment i.e the international system

claim 2: states in an international system react the same way to external pressures. the only difference is that some states have more capabilities than others

claim 3: human agency is limited. states are unitary actors, this means ideas and norms are only important when they coincide with interests defined as power

Question 5

WHat are the criticisms of neo-realism?

Answer 5

Realism was seen as no longer able to account for change in international politics

Mutual economic self-interest can bring security

Human agency

ENglish School defy this