Realism

1. Realism New Packet: pg 89-93

2. Historical Distinction of Realism • Classical realism (400BC-1800s) • Modern realism (1939-79) • Structural/Neorealism (1979 onwards) • Problems with this distinction

3. Classical realism - Thucydides • Thucydides – power politics • State’s behavior is like a self-seeking egoist – a natural national interest of the state is survival • It’s human nature to wish to dominate – this is why int’l politics must be regarded as power politics

4. Classical realism - Morgenthau • Human nature is reflected in and shapes int’l politics • This human nature is a natural law of our existence and we must accept it • So, we must devise policies that are most in accordance with these natural laws

5. Classical realism - Machiavelli • Also said the logic of power politics can be applied universally • In an anarchic system w/ dark forces, how is a leader to act? • No universal moral principles • Security of the state comes before community obligations • “It’s better to be feared than loved”

6. Classical realism – Melian Dialogue • Athens vs. Melos • Shows the application of empire-building, security, power • Allows classical realists see that only acting on the basis of power and self-interest can be (self) destructive.

7. Structural realism / Neorealism • The struggle for power in int’l pol is NOT due to “human nature” • It’s due to a lack of an overarching authority above states… • And the relative distribution of power in the system

8. Neorealism – K. Waltz • Int’l System has 3 elements • Organizing principle (the structure of the system itself) • Differentiation of units (functionally similar sovereign states) • Distribution of capabilities among states/units

9. Neorealism – K. Waltz • Ranking powerful states (“great powers”) • The # of great powers determines the structure of the system • Power is a tool, used to achieve security • States are security-maximizers (Waltz’s idea of “defensive realism”) • Power maximization (“offensive realism”) is dangerous/dysfunctional

10. Neorealism – Mearsheimer • Offensive realism • Anarchic structure forces states to maximize their relative power position • Self-help remains the best course of action • Due to uncertainty of neighbor’s intentions, all states seek to gain power at the expense of others. (no status quo states) • The world is condemned to perpetual great-power competition. (seeking hegemony)

11. Challenges/criticism of Neorealism • Other factors beyond state interests are important: • Perceptions of leaders • State-society relationships • Motivation of states • Neoclassical realism: building bridges b/tw unit and system-level factors • States differ in terms of interests • States differ in terms of ability to extract resources from their societies