Realist Theory Flashcards
What is the key factor in REALISM?
States
Examples of ‘extensions’ of states?
IO and MNC
States are Rational - three descriptive words
Survival // Power // Sovereignty – Pursue predictable strategies based on calculations of self interest.
Realism views rules as..
rules are for the weak - realism views international law and values are not needed for powerful states.
Realism views cooperation as…
States only cooperate when it benefits themselves. - the must gain more than who they are cooperating with.
Realism is “Parsimonious” - this means
there are few variables and it leads to clear predictions
Human nature is bad and hard to trust, other states are an inherent threat - this Realist theory view is called
Classical Realism
Pursuit of power
Hobbes’ “State of Nature” theory
Explores where threats come from - human Nature? Domestic Politics? International Structure?
Structural Realism
Security and Pursuit of power is a “Zero Sum” game
Security Dilemma (State Behaviour view)
Terminology for the idea that states only cooperate to pursue relative advantages over others
Relative gains over absolute gains.
Under the realist theory - state policy is driven by…
International structure and position in the global balance of power - only economically powerful support free trade.
Most classical realists integrate international economics into analysis. Economy is important to state power. Seen as source of conflict and war.
Proto - Realism and Economics.
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.
Mercantilism (16-18th century)
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:
Economic Nationalism
Post War realists believed that the __________ states had to enforce economic cooperation to reduce threats and conflict.
Dominant
What time frame was there a decline in economic cooperation in the north and era of ‘new protectionism’?
1970 - Post War
Name of a Theory that emphasizes single state dominance… Economic ‘cooperation’ became more difficult as US power declined.
Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST)
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:
Free Riders - collective action problems for collective solutions (free trade)
Examples of Contemporary Realism
- 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)
1- Parsimony // 2- Focus on distributional outcomes // 3- Rejection of idealistic prescriptions (how the world SHOULD be) are 3 ___________ of Realism
Strengths
