Theory Flashcards
Realists view on War:
Inevitable. States are driven to conflict, they are bound to clash over their own interests and when this happens conflict is very likely to occur
Realists view on Peace:
Temporary – can only take place for a small period of time.
Balance of power theory. - This is linked to bipolarity and the idea of two roughly equal superpowers who ‘balance’ each other with their power – reducing the likelihood of war. MAD, mutually assured destruction is also linked to this.
Hegemonic stability theory. If there is one dominant superpower they will impose their own order on the international system and ensure that other states obey it.
What is realists ‘Balance of Power’ theory?
This is linked to bipolarity and the idea of two roughly equal superpowers who ‘balance’ each other with their power – reducing the likelihood of war. MAD, mutually assured destruction is also linked to this.
What is realists ‘Hegemonic Stability Theory’?
If there is one dominant superpower they will impose their own order on the international system and ensure that other states obey it.
Realists view on Human Nature:
They believe that humans are inherently selfish – they have a pessimistic view of human nature. This applies to states with the idea of ‘state egoism’.
Realists view on States:
This is the concept of the ‘billiard ball’ model of state sovereignty. States are self contained actors who may interact (collide) with each other, but do not overlap and rarely interlink.
They take the view that states are the most important players in international politics.
What is realists ‘billiard board’ theory?
States are self contained actors who may interact (collide) with each other, but do not overlap and rarely interlink.
Realists view on Globalisation:
They take the stance that globalisation has had a negative impact on international politics, as it has undermined states.
They also believe that the impact of globalisation has been exaggerated and that states largely remain above the impact of globalisation.
Realist Thinkers:
Waltz
Huntington
Hobbes
Machiavelli
Realist Thinker - Waltz
Waltz:
– neo-realist/defensive realist
– balance of power theory was coined by Waltz
Realist Thinker - Huntington
Huntington – Clash of Civilisations theory
Realist Thinker - Hobbes
Hobbes:
– classical realist
– states are inherently selfish
– Hobbesian
Realist Thinker - Machiavelli
Machiavelli:
– classical realist
– states should act ruthlessly and gather power.
Liberals view on War:
Can be avoided and should try to be avoided.
War is for liberals an absolute last resort – only to be pursued when you have exhausted your other options
Liberals view on Peace:
It’s achievable through cooperation. If states work together and cooperate over their desires than they can achieve peace.
Integration and interdependence can help with this.
Liberals take the stance that multipolarity can help with this.
