Comparative Theories (Liberalism+ Realism)

Question 1

Realist view on Human Nature

Answer 1

Human nature is selfish; prisoners dilemma.

This comes from the Hobbesian view. (link to conservatism - Hobbs; ‘nasty, brutish and short’)

Question 2

Liberal view on Human Nature

Answer 2

Altruistic (to do what’s good for others); Locke (rational; ‘Individualism’)
Stag Hunt Scenario (Rousseau)
Kant

Question 3

Realist view on Power

Answer 3

Zero-Sum view; their are winners and losers.

There is a limited amount of power/ sovereignty, if you want more then you need to take it from someone else.

Question 4

Liberal view on Power

Answer 4

Positive Sum view; there are no winners and losers.

They aren’t that focused on power

Question 5

Realist view on Order and Security

Answer 5

States seek power- Security Dilemma (Waltz)
This is usually on the basis of the pursuit of national interest; and realist usually think that this is power.
Think Ukraine v Russia

Question 6

Liberal view on Order and Security

Answer 6

International system is characterised by co-operation which leads to global governance.
Nye/ Keyhane
Kantian triangle

Question 7

Realist view on the Likelihood of conflict

Answer 7

‘Inevitable’- states seek power; they are immoral; zero-sum gain.
(Any thinker)

Question 8

Liberal view on the Likelihood of conflict

Answer 8

Conflict can be avoided; they exhaust all possible options before they get to conflict. (this is usually though negotiation + compromise - think what the world are trying to do to stop Russia)
(Any thinker)

Question 9

Realist view on international organisations

Answer 9

States use these to increase their power and put them into effect - Such as NATO; smaller states join for protection.
Not very optimistic, as they don’t believe that they are that effective.
Nearschimer- Critical- states should pursue self-interest.

Question 10

Liberal view on international organisations

Answer 10

They are growing in importance; states join to avoid conflict but also to gain power.
Kantian Triangle
Keyhane + Nye

Question 11

Realist view on the Significance of States

Answer 11

States are made up of humans so they act as humans would- they peruse their own self interests.
Uncertainty about the intentions of other states
Sates compete for military and economic power
Limited amount of power. For one state to gain they have to take away.
Principle Actors
Cuban Missile crisis
Hobbes- ideas on human nature
Thucydides

Question 12

Liberal view on the Significance of States

Answer 12

Not necessary selfish (international aid)
The state is in decline as the result of globalisation
Plurality of interests
Not principle actors
Vietnam War
Wilson

Question 13

What are the main ideas of realism?

Answer 13

• Its a theory about power and security
• They are very sceptical
• There is no natural harmony, just diversity
• A Hobbesian war where everyone is out for themselves
• DONALD TRUMP IS A REALIST
• promoting human rights and democracy leads to war

Question 14

What is the prisoners dilemma (Realism)?

Answer 14

If people are in the situation where they have to save themselves or others then they are going to choose themselves.
The prisoners dilemma, involves snitching on someone for doing a crime you also committed.

Question 15

What is the Melian Dialogue (Realism)?

Answer 15

The main ideas from this is that you cannot trust anyone, just like how the Melos couldn’t trust the Spartans.

Question 16

What is the Cuban missile crisis (Realism)?

Answer 16

Confirms the security dilemma.

People build up their military if someone else does, as Russia and the US did.

Question 17

What are the main ideas of Liberalism?

Answer 17

• There all sorts of opportunities; both good and bad.
• The international systems provides this opportunity.
• Conflict is an aspect of the international system.
• They aren’t opposed to war or conflict, they would like to go though every thing else first though.
• The EU is a Liberal organisation
• They are more optimistic.

Question 18

Why is the Vietnam war an example of liberal thinking?

Answer 18

The US government eventually abandoned the war in 1975 because a lot of the public opposed it.
It shows the significance of states because they can do things that the public oppose if they want to.

Question 19

What is the Stag Hunt scenario (Liberalism)?

Answer 19

That you either work together and everyone is fine/ can eat, or your selfish and everyone else starves.
Its about balancing self interest and communal interest.

Question 20

How do Liberals and Realists differ?

Answer 20

Realism is a conflict straight jacket, and liberalism adds some definition.
They both have different interests.

Question 21

Name the thinkers that go with realism, and what area they apply to.

Answer 21

• Hobbes (Human nature)
• Waltz (Order and Security)
• Waltz (Likelihood of conflict)
• Nearschimer (International Organisations)
• Thucydides (Significance of states)

Question 22

Name the thinkers that go with liberalism, and what area they apply to.

Answer 22

• Rousseau, Kant and Locke(core) (Human nature)
• Nye (Order and security)
• Keyhane (Likelihood of conflict)
• Keyhane and Nye (International Organisations)
• Wilson (Significance of states)