1 / 11

Realism

This text explores the principles of realism in international relations, including the assumptions of states as unitary, rational actors and the implications for state behavior. It discusses the balancing of power, the pursuit of security, and the dynamics of the international system. The text also examines classical and structural realism, as well as the policy implications of the realist perspective.

macarthur
Download Presentation

Realism

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Realism

  2. Assumptions • States: unitary, rational actors -Treaty of Westphalia (1648) • Anarchy: no central government • Survival: primary objective • Pursuit of power

  3. Implications for State Behavior • Security top concern • Security dilemma • Maximize absolute and relative power • Balance rather than bandwagon • Cooperation rare

  4. Balancing Power • Internally • Increase relative capabilities • Externally • Enter into alliances

  5. System Dynamics • Focus on great powers • Balance of power: stability • Change in resources -> turbulence in the system • Rules made by and for strong states

  6. Classical Realism • Aristotle: The Peloponnesian War Hans Morgenthau: Politics Among Nations (1948) • Assumptions based on analogy with human nature • Humans inherently seek power and domination • “First image” theory

  7. Structural Realism • Kenneth Waltz: Man, State and War (1954) Theory of International Politics (1979) John Mearsheimer “The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (2001) • Assumptions follow from the structure of the international system • Third image theory

  8. Policy Implications of Realism • Domestic politics irrelevant • Universal rights and norms not applicable to the international realm • “High” vs. “Low” politics • Get involved in low politics only in ways that advance high politics

  9. Analytical Advantages • Parsimonious: explains a lot with little • Captures key characteristics of the international system • Persistence of conflict vindicates theory • Emphasizes continuity

  10. Analytical Weakness • Accounts for continuity, but not very well for change • Better able to explain than predict • Cannot account for persistence of cooperation • Domestic politics matter increasingly • Self-fulfilling circular prophesy about the inevitability of great power war?

  11. The Peloponnesian War

More Related