Theories in IR

1. Theories in IR The Several Realisms

2. Realisms • There are no fewer than four main types of Realism • They all share four basic assumptions: • The International System is anarchical • Sovereign states are the principal actors in the international system • States are rational actors, acting in their national interest • The overriding goal of each state is its own security and survival

3. Several of the Realisms • The four main types are: • Classical Realism • Liberal Realism • Structural Realism • Neoclassical Realism • Minor types include: • Offensive Realism • Defensive Realism • …

4. Classical Realism • Known as Realism before World War II • Focuses on human nature as an explanation for how states acted • Why?

5. Structural Realism • Also known as Neo-Realism • Created as an update to Classical Realism, designed to tweak its weaknesses without giving up its fundamental assumptions • Structural constraints predict state action better than ‘human nature’ constraints

6. Neoclassical Realism • Combination of Classical Realism and Neo-Realism (Structural Realism) • Used to explain foreign policy decisions • Used to explain missed predictions with Structural Realism • Perception of one’s place in the system is the important intervening variable

7. Liberal Realism • Also known as the English School • Focuses on the existence of a ‘society of states’, which creates: • mutual expectations • common behavior • It also creates bounds on state behavior

8. Assignment • Continue studying the news