Realism Flashcards
Date of Westphalian System Treaty
1648
Definition of realism
Realism is an ideology in which states are viewed as acting in their own interests leading to conflict
What are the two principles of the Westphalian State System
Sovereign Jurisdiction
Sovereign Independence
Name four things that constitute a state
Defined Territory
Permanent Population
Effective Government
Capacity to enter into relations
What is the Billard Ball Model
A theory stating that states collide with one another due to differing in size of power and sovereignty protects them from external pressure.
What is the Cobweb Model?
A theory stating that states are caught in a web of complex interdependence.
What is the belief about human nature?
Link to a conservative thinker
The fixed view of human nature as selfish.
The state represents this view of individuals.
Thomas Hobbes
What does the Prisoners Dilemma show?
It shows that states cannot trust one another due to not understanding their intentions.
Co-operation is not guaranteed.
What are states perceived to be in realism?
Rational
Amoral
Unitary actors
What is the state?
A key actor in global politics who forms organisations Internationally.
What is the national interest?
States are rational actors in which they carry out action that will benefit their state and uphold their interests and principles.
What is a unitary actor?
National interest is fixed. States interest is always to increase power and security.
What does it mean if a state is amoral?
They are not guided by universal principles and do not act according to justice, rights or religious morality.
What is said about the inevitability of war?
People are selfish and so states act accordingly which leads to disagreements.
Power is finite and so there is a natural competition for it.
Lack of adherence to any moral guidelines.
What is the Security Dilemma? How is it relevant?
If one state seeks to gain more security or power, another state will do the same which leads to an increase in tensions.
How are international organisations seen to be utilised?
Normally a dominant power.
Allow for the state to further their national interest
What is international anarchy ?
The concept that the world system is leaderless and that there is no universal government higher than the states.
What does international anarchy mean for states in the global system?
States cannot be held to account or punished for their actions
Name four criticisms of realism
Encourages immoral behaviour
Focus on one state, not cooperation
Advocates a fixed view of human nature
International relations are too complex to have just one theory.
What is the consequence of gaining more power?
More power leads to better security for the state.
What is a zero-sum game?
A situation in which a gain by one country results in a loss by another.
Compete to become the hegemon.
