Session 2 (Classical Realism II)

Question 1

What does Hobbs mean by the state of nature?

Answer 1

State of nature is the omnipresent threat of war which forces all to be constantly prepared for battle

Question 2

What are the characteristics of a state of nature

Answer 2

1. Anarchy. There is no common authority to create or enforce laws
2. Self-help. There is no reliable source of aid or protection besides oneself
   All of this mean that violence and conflict are extremely prevalent

Question 3

According to Hobbs what is life like in the state of nature?

Answer 3

Every man is pitted against each other, everyone is in a state of continual fear, and power is the only way to ensure one’s survival

Question 4

What is equality of man?

Answer 4

1. On average all men are equally endowed in physical and mental ability
2. All men are equally free to act in accordance with their abilities and desires
3. All men are equally insecure, no matter how strong or intelligent, they might be there is always someone better. Furthermore any single individual can be overwhelmed by a group

Question 5

What does Hobbs say about human nature?

Answer 5

Men are at best competitive and ambitious while at worst violent and power-hungry. So a world without government and law would be violent, chaotic, and dangerous or as Hobbs famously described it– “Nasty Brutish & Short”

Question 6

From Hobbes’ perspective, why is life in the state of nature this way?

Answer 6

Because it’s human nature and we don’t have laws and governments to keep us in check

Question 7

According to Hobbs, how does one leave the state of nature?

Answer 7

Men must come together, and collectively agree to cede a portion of their natural rights to create a sovereign entity. This is an establishment of a social contract

Question 8

What is the Leviathan?

Answer 8

the term Hobbs used to describe sovereign states created via social contract. In doing so, each group voluntarily agrees to accept limitations on their individual liberty in order to obtain security

Question 9

How is Hobbes discussion of the state of nature relevant today?

Answer 9

International Relations is comparable to the State of Nature.
1. In IR there is no common authority to create or enforce laws (anarchy)
2. In IR there is no higher authority to appeal to for help (self-help)
3. In IR there is the constant threat of violence and conflict (insecurity)
4. In IR military power is crucial for survival (state of war)

Question 10

What is Realism?

Answer 10

A theoretical perspective concerned with explaining conflict in the international system. The theory is based on a pessimistic view of nature that views man as the aggressor, power-hungry, and self-interested.

Question 11

What is power?

Answer 11

Anything that can be used to compel someone to do something that they previously would not have done.

Question 12

What are the 2 major variants of realism?

Answer 12

1. Classical realism
2. Neorealism or structural realism

Question 13

What is classical realism?

Answer 13

A political philosophy that pertains to human nature, conflict, and power

Question 14

What is military power?

Answer 14

The chief means to ensure at a minimum a state’s survival, and at most gives the ability to attain interestso