Structural Realism / Neo’Realism

Question 1

International Politics is driven Exclusively by 3 Variables

Answer 1

• Anarchy
• Basic Units
• Distribution of Power

Question 2

Ordering Principle is

Answer 2

Anarchy

Question 3

Basic Units

Answer 3

States

Question 4

International Distribution of Power

Answer 4

Determines each state’s optimal strategy for self-protection

Question 5

Power

Answer 5

• The more power, more control over outcomes
• Getting others do what they otherwise wouldn’t

Question 6

Increasing Power

Answer 6

2 ways
• Internal ( better economy —> better military )
• External ( alliances )

Question 7

Relative Gains

Answer 7

• Shifts in power are relative
• What one state gains other one losses

Question 8

Analytic Considerations

Answer 8

If you want to understand state’s behavior, look at his position in the “self-help” international system

Question 9

Why do conflicts and other phenomena occur ?

Answer 9

• Structural —> Cuz DOP has changed ( one state became stronger, established allies, etc )

Question 10

Balance of Power

Answer 10

Chandelier
With many small and large pieces
If one or more gets smaller or larger, then its balance of power is distributed

Question 11

Distribution of Power creates HIERARCHY

Answer 11

Which can be stable if lesser states do not mount challenges and if stronger states do not make threats

Question 12

Neo’Realist Conditions / Assumptions

Answer 12

• Perfect Transparency
• Uncertainty

Question 13

Security Dilemma

Answer 13

If State A attempts to increase its power, State B becomes scared and does the same, Then State A becomes scared again

Question 14

How much power is enough

Answer 14

Offensive Realists - John Mearsheimer —> Gain as much power as possible and pursue hegemony

Defensive Realists - Kenneth Waltz —> The system will punish them if they attempt to gain too much power

Question 15

Ceaseless Security Competition

Answer 15

5 Assumptions

1. Main actors are great powers who exist in an anarchic system
2. States can harm each other and are in danger
3. Uncertainty about other’s intentions
4. Main goal is survival
5. States are strategic about surviving

Question 16

Which constellation of power is the most conducive to peace in a Neo’Realist world?

Answer 16

• Hegemony - 1 state most powerful
• Bipolarity - 2 equal powers balance each other
• Multipolarity - multiple equal powers ( less stable )

Question 17

Uncertainty is an ______ and a _____

Answer 17

• Opportunity - If state A is uncertain about state B and does what is the best for his national interest

• Threat - not knowing others’ capabilities can lead to ill-formed decisions and costly mistakes

Question 18

3 types of constellation of power

Answer 18

1. Hegemony
2. Bipolarity
3. Multipolarity

Question 19

Mearsheimer believed his institutions have _____ influence un state behavior

Answer 19

Minimal

Question 20

Hierarchy in the distribution of power leads to stability. What is necessary for this to work?

Answer 20

Perfect Transparency,
int.constraints are self evident and uncontroversial. No states seeking to revise hierarchy.

Question 21

Diplomacy in an anarchic which distinguishes between

Answer 21

Threat and Opportunity