Comparative theories

Question 1

The History of the Pelopennesian (Ancient Greece)

Answer 1

Thycydides - shows the importance in balance to prevent conflict (realist)

Question 2

The Prince (1532)

Answer 2

Machievelli - statesmen have different morals to citizens (realist)

Question 3

Leviathon (1651)

Answer 3

Hobbes - there is a security dilemma in a state of anarchy

Question 4

Morgenthau’s ‘Six Principles of Political Realism’

Answer 4

• International politics is decided by laws which are based on human nature
• National interest is defined in terms of power
• This is a universally valid concept but is dynamic
• Abstract moral principles can’t be applied to international politics
• All states must be looked at as political entities pursuing power
• Policy must come out of political analysis (analysing power - not legal / moral constrictions)

Question 5

Similarities between classical realist and neo realist views

Answer 5

• states are the key actor in the international system (sovereign)
• states are amoral (not guided by ethics)
• states can never know the intentions of another state
• power is a zero-sum game (states can only gain power at the expense of another)

Question 6

Differences between classical realist and neo realist views

Answer 6

• Classical believe states are self interested because humans are self interested, where as structural believe it is natural to be self interested since there is an anarchic system
• Classical believe states have a natural will to power, just like human nature, where as structural believe they are self interested so they can gain security

Question 7

Kenneth Waltz

Answer 7

Defensive neorealism - state security is maximised by not being a threat to others

Question 8

John Mearsheimer

Answer 8

Offensive neorealism - security is maximised by being as powerful as possible