What is realism? Flashcards
What belief is realism principally governed by?
Nation-states are the most legitimate and powerful actors in global politics
Realist viewpoint
The authority of IGOs (inter governmental organisations) e.g. EU, UN, should be limited. Global politics is an anarchical society, since nation-states retain the exclusive right to act in whatever way they wish
Although nation-states may deceive to work through and with other non-state actors, they don’t abandon their sovereign right to advance their own self-interest (Anarchy in this context should be understood in its literal sense as the “absence of authority or government” instead of necessarily a state of chaos and disorder)
Since nation-states exist in a state of global anarchy, this creates a security dilemma, because they can only rely upon themselves for their own protection. States, therefore, live in a self-help system in which they must build up their own security apparatus through military power and alliances
States act rationally and usually prioritise defending their own national interest. Usually this means that a state’s prime motivation is to defend its national security against perceived threats
All states are ultimately trying to find ways of increasing their power and influence within the global political order
The natural state of the world order is for states to compete with each other, making the most of their power. Therefore, states are often in conflict with each other
What happened with Chinese activity in the south China Sea?
China fully militarised at least three islands that it built in the South China Sea (which is disputed). A US military commander said the move threatens all nations operating nearby.
List the four key features of realism
The inevitability of war and conflict
The superiority of states and the balance of power
The security dilemma
International anarchy and its implications
Key features of realism: The inevitability of war and conflict
Conflict is inevitable, it’s the most natural state of affairs because:
States are likely to try to maximise their power and influence, resorting to, or provoking conflict if needed
States are inherently selfish and are likely to promote their own national interest, even if that means using conflict
The world system is anarchical, there’s no authority capacble of preventing conflict unless states judge that confluct isn’t in their interests e.g. international efforts through the UN and Geneva peace talks failed to restrain the various actors from pursuing their perceived interests during the Syrian conflict
Key features of realism: The superiority of states and the balance of power
States are the most important actors in global politics, more powerful and significant than IGOs, NGOs and MNCs
IGOs only exist because states created them - States have power to join or leave IGOs e.g. Brexit, France withdrawing troops from NATO (remained a member) in 1966, AU states threatened withdrawal from ICC over perceived bias against African states in the courts’ investigations and judgement
States are the fundamental building block of IGOs
IGOs succeed or fail based on member-state actions
