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Realism Packet

Realism Packet. Pg 86-89. Criticisms Realists had of Idealists. They ignore the role of power They overestimate the degree to which humans are rational They mistakenly believe that nation-states share sets of interests Overly optimistic re: ending concept of war.

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Realism Packet

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  1. Realism Packet Pg 86-89

  2. Criticisms Realists had of Idealists • They ignore the role of power • They overestimate the degree to which humans are rational • They mistakenly believe that nation-states share sets of interests • Overly optimistic re: ending concept of war

  3. Founding thinkers of Realism • EH Carr, H. Morgenthau, R. Nieburh • Older guys (waaay back): Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes • All focused on the broad pervasiveness of power and competition

  4. Lessons of Realism to statesmen • Focus on interests instead o ideology • Seek peace through strength • Great powers can coexist even if diametrically opposed in value systems

  5. Raison d’etat • States’ first law of motion: • “It tells the statesman what he must do to preserve the health and strength of the state.” • The state must pursue power to ensure state survival

  6. Ethics and Morality According to Realism • Statesman’s morality = political necessity and prudence • Justified? • Are we okay with this dual moral standard?

  7. Key Element of Int’l Politics = … • For Thucydides: • the polis/citystate • For modern realists: • The state • “The state is a legitimate representative of the will of the people”

  8. Hans Morganthau • “Int’l politics, like all politics, is a struggle for power.” • Key difference between int’l and domestic politics: • The different organizational structures in which they exist

  9. Terms • Statism • Anarchy • Power • National interest • Self-help • Balance of Power

  10. Criticisms of Realism • It can’t account for: • regional integration • Humanitarian intervention • Growth of security communities • Growth of intra-state war in the global south • The state’s decline as the key actor in int’l politics

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