Realist Theory

Question 1

What is the key factor in REALISM?

Answer 1

States

Question 2

Examples of ‘extensions’ of states?

Answer 2

IO and MNC

Question 3

States are Rational - three descriptive words

Answer 3

Survival // Power // Sovereignty – Pursue predictable strategies based on calculations of self interest.

Question 4

Realism views rules as..

Answer 4

rules are for the weak - realism views international law and values are not needed for powerful states.

Question 5

Realism views cooperation as…

Answer 5

States only cooperate when it benefits themselves. - the must gain more than who they are cooperating with.

Question 6

Realism is “Parsimonious” - this means

Answer 6

there are few variables and it leads to clear predictions

Question 7

Human nature is bad and hard to trust, other states are an inherent threat - this Realist theory view is called

Answer 7

Classical Realism

Question 8

Pursuit of power

Answer 8

Hobbes’ “State of Nature” theory

Question 9

Explores where threats come from - human Nature? Domestic Politics? International Structure?

Answer 9

Structural Realism

Question 10

Security and Pursuit of power is a “Zero Sum” game

Answer 10

Security Dilemma (State Behaviour view)

Question 11

Terminology for the idea that states only cooperate to pursue relative advantages over others

Answer 11

Relative gains over absolute gains.

Question 12

Under the realist theory - state policy is driven by…

Answer 12

International structure and position in the global balance of power - only economically powerful support free trade.

Question 13

Most classical realists integrate international economics into analysis. Economy is important to state power. Seen as source of conflict and war.

Answer 13

Proto - Realism and Economics.

Question 14

States power is dependent on their treasure. gold is key to power of emerging states. States seek to increase holdings of gold and silver through conquest and colonies and increase exports/decrease imports.

Answer 14

Mercantilism (16-18th century)

Question 15

Industrialization seen as key economic goal. Creates independence and military might. States need industrial development to survive - should engage in protectionism and encourage devel. of national industries. This was called:

Answer 15

Economic Nationalism

Question 16

Post War realists believed that the __________ states had to enforce economic cooperation to reduce threats and conflict.

Answer 16

Dominant

Question 17

What time frame was there a decline in economic cooperation in the north and era of ‘new protectionism’?

Answer 17

1970 - Post War

Question 18

Name of a Theory that emphasizes single state dominance… Economic ‘cooperation’ became more difficult as US power declined.

Answer 18

Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST)

Question 19

Free trade and globalization good in theory but unlikely to be maintained in anarchy states. Seen as “public goods” and not necessary. With public goods, there is the issue of people taking advantage and not participating - the term for this is:

Answer 19

Free Riders - collective action problems for collective solutions (free trade)

Question 20

Examples of Contemporary Realism

Answer 20

• Post 9/11 Return to emphasis on secuirity and military conflict. AND - Economic issues have been securitized (meaning that economics are something ‘in danger’ that needs to be protected for overall good)

Question 21

1- Parsimony // 2- Focus on distributional outcomes // 3- Rejection of idealistic prescriptions (how the world SHOULD be) are 3 ___________ of Realism

Answer 21

Strengths