6. Realist theories of IR Flashcards
(24 cards)
What do states represent in realist international relations?
Principle actors and primary unit of analysis
What does anarchy mean in the context of international relations?
No central world government
What are the key focuses of classical realism?
Human nature as power-seeking, inevitable conflict, and state survival
According to Morgenthau, what constitutes security for a state?
State’s ability to defend itself, national interests, and sovereignty
What is Hobbes’ view of the state system?
Anarchic, requiring states to ensure their own security
What is Thucydides’ concept of the international game?
A zero-sum game – win/lose
What does Machiavelli’s Realpolitik suggest about state behavior?
States enter into evil when necessary for survival
What is the judgment criterion for states in the realist perspective?
Responsibility to guard national interests, not morals
What was the criticism of the US invasion of Iraq from a realist perspective?
Seen as a misuse of power against US interests, causing blowback
What does neo-realism focus on?
Structures and systems rather than human nature or domestic issues
According to Waltz’s defensive realism, what secures stability?
Balance of power
What is the view of nuclear deterrence in realist theory?
It is good for security
What is Mearsheimer’s offensive realism perspective?
Great powers inherently seek hegemony to maximize power
What is the implication of US support for Israel according to Mearsheimer and Walt?
Detrimental to US interests
What are the tools of security and development in realism?
Enhance state behavior, maintain stability, prevent external domination
Fill in the blank: Realists believe that _______ must be carefully calculated.
the use of force
What is the realist perspective on climate change?
State-centric, prioritizing national interests over global cooperation
What did realism fail to explain about the Kyoto Protocol?
Why most developed states ratified it despite US withdrawal
What is a key issue for the US in the context of global political ecology?
Economic and military strength based on cheap fossil fuel energy
What role does the rivalry between the US and China play in climate negotiations?
Significant, with both powers unwilling to make concessions
What may the US and China engage in to overcome policy gridlock?
A green high-tech race
What is a critique of realism regarding its focus?
Too state-centric and inattentive to domestic issues
What does Mearsheimer’s statement ‘real world = realist world’ imply?
A self-fulfilling prophecy of realism
What does realism ignore that contributed to the end of the Cold War?
Actions of ordinary citizens
