Comparative theories Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the core principle of Realism in international relations?
The core principle of Realism is that the international system is anarchic, and states act primarily in pursuit of their national interest, which is often defined as the accumulation and preservation of power.
Classical realism
Classical Realism, championed by Hans Morgenthau, focuses on human nature as the root cause of international conflict. It argues that politics is a struggle for power because human beings are inherently selfish and power-seeking.
Who is Hans Morgenthau and what are his key ideas?
Hans Morgenthau is a Classical Realist who argues that international politics is governed by objective laws rooted in human nature. He emphasizes the concepts of power, national interest, and the moral limits of political action.
What is Structural Realism (Neorealism)?
Structural Realism, developed by Kenneth Waltz, focuses on the international system’s anarchic structure rather than human nature. States act to ensure their security, and the distribution of power among states (e.g., bipolarity or multipolarity) explains their behaviour.
Who is Kenneth Waltz and what are his key contributions?
Kenneth Waltz is the father of Neorealism (Structural Realism). He argues that the structure of the international system (anarchy) compels states to prioritize their security, leading to balancing behaviour. He also claims that bipolar systems are more stable than multipolar ones.
What is Offensive Realism?
Offensive Realism, proposed by John Mearsheimer, posits that great powers are inherently aggressive and seek to maximize their power to achieve regional or global hegemony. This is driven by the anarchic nature of the international system and the uncertainty of other states’ intentions.
What does John Mearsheimer argue in The Tragedy of Great Power Politics?
John Mearsheimer argues that great powers are trapped in a tragic cycle of competition for dominance, as the anarchic international system compels them to seek hegemony for survival, leading to constant conflict and power struggles.
What is Defensive Realism?
Defensive Realism, associated with Kenneth Waltz, suggests that states seek security rather than domination. States are primarily interested in maintaining the balance of power to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful and threatening their survival.
What is Hedley Bull’s concept of the “Anarchical Society”?
Hedley Bull argues that while the international system is anarchic, states form an international society based on shared norms, rules, and institutions that help maintain order. This idea blends Realism with an understanding of international cooperation and order.
What is the Balance of Power theory?
The Balance of Power theory holds that states act to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful, by balancing through alliances or military build-up. This is a central idea in Realism, especially in Kenneth Waltz’s Neorealism.
What is Stephen Walt’s Balance of Threat theory?
Stephen Walt’s Balance of Threat theory argues that states form alliances not just to balance against power, but in response to the most threatening states. Threats are determined by factors such as proximity, military capabilities, and perceived intentions.
What is the Security Dilemma?
The Security Dilemma refers to the situation where one state’s efforts to increase its security (e.g., through military buildup) makes other states feel less secure, prompting them to increase their own security measures, often leading to an arms race and heightened tensions.
How does Realism view international institutions and cooperation?
Realists, especially Classical and Neorealists, are skeptical of the role of international institutions. They argue that institutions reflect the interests of powerful states and that cooperation is often short-lived, as states will always prioritize their own security and interests.
What role does morality play in Realism?
Realists like Hans Morgenthau argue that while moral principles can be important, they must be subordinate to the national interest. In international politics, moral considerations often give way to the pursuit of power and survival in a competitive, anarchic system.
What is the difference between Multipolarity, Bipolarity, and Unipolarity?
Multipolarity: Power is distributed among multiple great powers, leading to a more complex and less stable international system (e.g., pre-World War I Europe).
Bipolarity: Power is concentrated between two superpowers, leading to a more predictable and stable system (e.g., Cold War with the US and USSR).
Unipolarity: One state dominates the international system, which may lead to stability or instability depending on how the hegemon acts.
What is the concept of Relative Gains in Realism?
Relative Gains refer to the Realist concern that in any international interaction, states are more concerned with how much power or benefit they gain relative to others, rather than the absolute gains they might make. This makes cooperation difficult as states fear others will gain more and become stronger.
What are the main differences between Offensive and Defensive Realism?
Offensive Realism (Mearsheimer): States are inherently aggressive and seek to maximize power to achieve hegemony.
Defensive Realism (Waltz): States primarily seek security and are more concerned with maintaining the balance of power than dominating others.
