Hans Morgenthau -- IR

Question 1

Classical Realism in one sentence by Hans Morgenthau

Answer 1

“Power positions do not yield to arguments, however rationally and morally valid, but only to superior power. “

–take away from classical realism, power is not clearly defined but Morgenthau does?….

Question 2

Scientific man vs power politics – Hans Mogenthau

Answer 2

skeptical, means to destroy themselves

Question 3

Hans Morgenthau

Answer 3

i. 1904-1980
ii. Doctorate in law, Frankfurt 1929 (Came from law as well)
—-Doctorate thesis of international law… the beginning of how he developed his realist theory
iii. Geneva and other stops 1932-1937
iv. Exile in the USA 1937
–Chair at Chicago University 1948-1971 : where he was a biggest influence

–“founding fathers” of the realist school in the 20th century
– Science does not fix political power; we must understand human nature… scientifically cannot figure out how to live better

Question 4

important books

Answer 4

“Scientific Man versus Power Politics” (1946)
“Politics among Nations” (1948)
“In Defense of the National Interest” (1951)
(3 books – 5yrs)

Question 5

Morgenthau’s critique of international law leads to a realist theory of international politics

Answer 5

–believes legal can solve but politics is where there is tention, international law won’t fix tensition –> international law is powerless

–believes there is a limit, theory is realism

– Politics is the intensity of conflicts

Question 6

6 principles of realism

Answer 6

i. objective laws allow for a rational theory of international politics (but do not dictate behavior)
—Does he believe in science? –> practice is power, can study objective laws but more ab balance of power, so we should look into history…

ii. Interests, expressed in terms of power, drive international politics (not motives, or ideologies)
—Cannot trust anyone in realism, Hans says don’t try to figure out what the motives are of people, also don’t trust ideologists because they all behave in similar ways. Only thing that matters is power politics, they all do balance of power which is what we should focus on. What the state’s interest is

iii. Interests shift & depend on context, but power remains the “currency” of politics
—How much power state has?

iv. international politics is autonomous from other spheres, such as law and morality
—Shouldn’t look into economics/law, should look into politics, currency of independence sphere is power

v. One nation’s moral aspiration are not the universal standard for all; moralism makes conflict worse by presenting the enemy as immoral

vi. 6) Realism is the proper theory of international politics

Question 7

The concept of prudence (important)

Against hubris: Realists as critics of war and overstretch

Answer 7

Idea that you can use war to change societies, Morgenthau says keep your ideas at home, don’t go to war