The Realist Framework

1. The Realist Framework

2. Core Assumptions of Realism • States are principle, unitary actors in international politics • States are rational (i.e. they think strategically) • States possess power (capabilities) • States can never be certain about other states’ intentions • International system is anarchic (there is no world government)

3. Variations of Realism • Working from these core assumptions realists have developed three major explanatory frameworks: • Classical or Human Nature Realists (Hans Morgenthau) • Structural or Defensive (a.k.a. neo-realists) Realists (Kenneth Waltz) • Offensive Realists (John Mearsheimer)

4. Human Nature and Realism • In general, realists adopt a Hobbesian view of human beings and make a basic assumption about what drives states (interest defined as power); • Human Nature Realists, in particular, focus on the basic nature of individuals; • The characteristics of human nature can be ascribed to states as actors.

5. Morgenthau’s Six Principles of Political Realism • Politics like society is governed by objective laws and IR rational theory should reflect these laws • Interest is defined in terms of power • Interest defined as power is universally valid but NOT fixed • Political realism distinguishes between moral command and requirements for successful political action • Realism refuses to identify moral aspirations or laws • Political realism maintains autonomy of political sphere; differs from other (moral) schools of thought.

6. Major Components of Classical (Human Nature) Realist Theory Power is means to nation’s end • The struggle for power: -- Policy of the status quo -- Imperialism (revisionism) -- Policy of prestige • National Power • Elements and evaluation • International System: the balance of power • Methods, structure and evaluation

7. Evaluation of Human Nature Realism • Power is the key causal variable • State Behavior is determined by human nature • Power is an end in itself (the struggle for power) • The focus is on the state as a key unit of analysis (see the elements of national power) • The balance of power internationally is an outcome of the struggle for power among different nations

8. Defensive (Structural) Realism • The literature developed in the 1960s thru 1980s, a.k.a. as neo-realists and structural realists. • Accept major classical (HN) realist assumptions • Switch the core focus from national power to the distribution of power across the international system • Core concepts are balancing and security dilemma • Power is a means to maintain balance and achieve stability in the system

9. Defensive Realism and Levels of Analysis • Three different lenses/images for studying international politics (Waltz, 1959) -- Human Behavior -- Internal Structure of States -- International Conflict and Anarchy • We can distinguish variables at the levels of the unit and variables at the level of the system • Emphasis on one lens (image) may distort the interpretation of the others • The third lens (image) describes the framework of world politics; the first and second image explain the forces that determine policy

10. Thank you • For further details please visit Blackboard or email me at ivanovid@ucmail.uc.edu • Thank you!