Realism Flashcards
(33 cards)
What does the principle of anarchy mean in Realism?
Anarchy means the absence of a global governing authority or central power. In the international system, no higher authority exists to enforce rules, so states must rely on their own resources for survival and security.
What does Realism say about the principle of survival?
Realism argues that survival is the ultimate goal of all states. States aim to ensure their continued existence by securing their borders, ensuring economic stability, and maintaining military power.
What is the role of power in Realist theory?
Power, particularly military and economic power, is the central tool used by states to secure their survival and interests. Power maximization is key, and states are always seeking to gain more relative power than their rivals.
How does Realism view state behaviour?
Realists assume that states are rational actors that make decisions based on their national interests and the goal of maximizing their power and survival.
What role does human nature play in Classical Realism?
Classical Realists, like Hobbes, argue that human nature is inherently power-seeking and that this trait translates into state behavior. States act in a way that reflects the aggressive tendencies of individuals in society.
Can you give an example of anarchy in the international system?
The Cold War is a prime example of anarchy, where both the U.S. and the Soviet Union operated without a higher authority and relied on their own military power to ensure survival in a tense, competitive environment.
How does North Korea illustrate survival as the ultimate goal?
North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and military power serves to ensure its survival in a hostile international environment, where it perceives external threats, especially from the U.S. and its neighbors.
Can you give an example of power maximization in Realism?
The U.S. forming NATO and its leadership role in the post-WWII order is an example of power maximization. The U.S. sought to maintain its global influence through a military and political alliance to counterbalance the Soviet Union.
What is the security dilemma in Realist theory?
The security dilemma is when a state’s efforts to increase its own security (such as building up its military) lead other states to feel less secure, causing them to increase their own military strength. This cycle of mutual distrust can lead to an arms race, even though no state initially wanted
Can you give an example of the security dilemma in action?
The Cold War arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union is a classic example. Each side’s attempts to build up military power to ensure security prompted the other side to increase its military capabilities, intensifying the arms race.
What does balancing mean in Realist theory?
Balancing refers to when states align with others to counteract the power of a stronger, threatening state. They do this to avoid being dominated or attacked. By creating alliances or building their own military strength, states balance the power dynamic in the international system.
Can you give an example of balancing in Realism?
European states aligning with the U.S. through NATO to balance against the Soviet Union is an example of balancing, where weaker states sought protection from a stronger power to ensure their own survival.
What is the difference between offensive realism and defensive realism?
Offensive realism, as proposed by John Mearsheimer, argues that states are always looking to maximize their power and become the most dominant power in the system.
Defensive realism, on the other hand, suggests that states seek just enough power to ensure their survival. They avoid over-expansion because it could provoke opposition from other states.
example of offensive realism
A state like Germany in the early 20th century, under Kaiser Wilhelm II, sought to maximize its military and economic power, which contributed to tensions leading up to World War I.
Example of Defensive Realism
The U.S. during the Cold War largely sought to contain Soviet expansion without pushing the boundaries too far, only intervening when necessary to maintain balance.
What is relative power in Realist theory?
Relative power refers to the power of a state in comparison to other states in the international system. It’s the idea that the power of one state is always measured relative to the power of others, and a state’s actions or policies are often determined by how they compare to the strength of their competitors or adversaries.
How does relative power affect state behavior?
States often adjust their behavior based on how their power compares to others. For instance, if a state sees another as becoming stronger (militarily or economically), it may feel threatened and act to balance or counteract that power, such as by forming alliances or increasing its military capabilities.
Can you give an example of relative power in action?
During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were in a constant power struggle. Each side constantly compared its nuclear capabilities and military power to the other’s. If one side gained an advantage, the other would attempt to counter it, often leading to arms races.
What does conflict due to power struggles mean in Realism?
Conflict due to power struggles is a central idea in Realist theory, suggesting that states often engage in conflict when they compete for power and resources. When one state seeks to increase its power or influence, it can create tensions or provoke conflict with other states that perceive this as a threat to their own power.
Why do power struggles often lead to conflict according to Realism?
In Realist theory, states are driven by self-interest and the need to secure their own survival. When one state grows stronger or tries to expand its power, other states may see this as a direct threat to their security or their standing in the international system. As a result, they may resort to conflict or form alliances to counterbalance the growing power.
Can you give an example of conflict due to power struggles in international relations?
The Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta (431-404 BCE) is a classic example. As Athens grew more powerful, Sparta felt threatened by Athens’ expanding influence and power in the Greek world. This fear and the desire to preserve balance of power led to a prolonged and destructive conflict.
What are alliances for security in Realist theory?
Alliances for security are partnerships between states formed to enhance security by pooling resources, strengthening military capabilities, and deterring potential threats. States enter into these alliances to protect themselves from more powerful adversaries and to balance the power dynamics within the international system.
Why do states form alliances for security?
States form alliances to increase their security and to balance against the perceived threat from other states or coalitions. By joining forces, states can deter aggression, strengthen their military capabilities, and increase their chances of survival. Alliances help smaller states rely on stronger ones for defense, and they prevent the rise of any one state from becoming too dominant.
Can you give an example of alliances for security?
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a prime example. Following World War II, Western European countries, along with the United States and Canada, formed NATO to protect themselves from the perceived threat of Soviet expansion. It was a collective security arrangement where an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all.
