Realism & FP Flashcards
1
Q
Core Assumptions of Realism
A
- Groupism: people need cohesion provided by group solidarity, yet that same in-group cohesion generates the potential for conflict with other groups
- Egoism: self-interest ultimately drives political behavior
- Power-Centrism: Power (over control or resources) lie at the center of the world system
2
Q
Realist FPA
A
- Look for where the power is
- What the groups interests are
- What is the role of power relationships in resolving conflict
3
Q
Anarchy - According to Realists
A
- The natural state of the world
- where no greater power resides over various actors
- where any state can use force to get what it wants
4
Q
Defensive Realism
A
- Where the goal is to make your state harder to conquer to ensure security
- Need for strong group identity (i.e. Groupism)
5
Q
Offensive Realism
A
- Due to anarchy, must always view the increases in power of other states with suspicion
- States expand (or otherwise) to defend themselves
6
Q
Neoclassical Realism
A
- focus on which realism path/school is most relevant to a given place and time
- do not believe in universal theories
7
Q
Balance of Power / Threat
A
- In anarchy, states balance power by internally bolstering themselves and externally creating alliances
- This is done to ensure security
- States will also balance against Threats
- Threat is determined by: Aggregate Capabilities, Geography, and Perceptions of Aggressive Intentions
8
Q
Hegemonic Stability Theory
A
- Predicts that any international order is only stable when power is correctly (unevenly) distributed in the system
9
Q
Example: USA 1970s
A
- Kissinger Perceived that US’ power was ‘going down’ relative to SU
- In response, needed to work to get its allies to shoulder more of the burden of containing SU power
- Uses Balance of Power Theory
10
Q
Power Transition
A
- Capabilities of a rising challenger approaching parity with dominant hegemon
