Strucutral Realism

Question 1

what role does power play in the international system according to classical realism

Answer 1

power is the currency of the international system

Question 2

what attributes of classical realism do structural realists ignore?

Answer 2

they ignore what is happening domestically: domestic identities, cultural leaders etc. and focus on the international stage

Question 3

how do structural realists see the international system

Answer 3

it is the international system that forces states to pursue power politics to ensure their survival, power politics.

Question 4

5 assumptions of structural realists

Answer 4

1. the great powers are the main actors in the international system, and they operate in an anarchical system.
2. All states possess offensive military capabilities
3. States cannot trust each other and therefore can’t be sure of the other’s intentions
4. the main goal of states is survival
5. states are rational actors working with incomplete information

Question 5

what are the rules of the game in international relations

Answer 5

there are two types of states:
revisionist state: states that want to “revise” the balance of power and are willing to use force to get on the top of that balance

status quo states: satisfied with current balance of power, will not use force to change it.

Question 6

Example of a defensive realist

Answer 6

Kenneth Waltz- argues that states should seek an appropriate amount of power.

Question 7

Defensive vs. offensive realism

Answer 7

Defensive realism- trying to gain hegemonic power is costly and troublesome and states should not pursue that.
Offensive realism- States should look to gain as much power as possible because it is the only way to ensure survival.

Question 8

Defensive strategies

Answer 8

Balancing- threatened states mobilize their own resources against the opposing states
Buck-passing: threatened states get another states to check an aggressor while they remain on the sidelines

Question 9

types of balance of power

Answer 9

Bipolarity- some argue that this is the least prone to war because the two powers have relatively the same capabilities and therefore can keep each other in check.. There is less chance of miscalculation if there are just two. There is also less conflict if there are just two as opposed to multiple adversaries.

multipolarity- if there are multiple deterrence is easier because more states can band together against the adversary. There is less intensified conflict because conflict is more diffused between many adversaries.

unipolarity- arguably the least prone to war because there is no competition with other great powers, minor powers will not cause any trouble for fear of offending the unipolar power.

Question 10

preponderant power

Answer 10

a state with well-developed power capabilities, a potential hegemon.

Question 11

Hegemonic peace

Answer 11

the hegemon maintains order being syncing its interests with the system and creating institutions and regimes is key to that.

Question 12

what were the effects of 9/11 on realism

Answer 12

It returned in popularity, reminder that the world remains a dangerous place. War is the feature of the international relations.

Question 13

how do realists vs. structuralists answer the question why do states want power?

Answer 13

realists- its human nature to seek power

structuralists- it is the international system that makes states seek power in order to survive.

Question 14

how do is power viewed differently by realists vs. structuralists?

Answer 14

realists- power is the goal of states

structuralists- power is a means to the end which is survival

Question 15

example of an offensive realist

Answer 15

John Mearsheimer

Question 16

two types of power

Answer 16

tangible military assets and latent power- state wealth and overall population (what they can leverage to increase military capabilities)

Question 17

why aren’t all states ok with status-quo state?

Answer 17

Because states can never be certain of what the other state is doing or planning they must accumulate as much power as possible in order to be prepared for a threat.

Question 18

offense-defense balance

Answer 18

usually in war, the favour is in that of the defence and defeating them is very hard for the offensive to the point the losses of war not worth it. This the many point of defensive realism

Question 19

criticisms of defensive realism by offensive

Answer 19

balancing power is inefficient and a smart aggressor can take advantage of that.
Buck-passing happens more than balancing power which can lead to more aggression

Question 20

What do both offensive and defensive realism agree on?

Answer 20

nuclear weapons do not give either side an advantage.