Introduction to Realism 1 Classical Realism Hans Morgenthau A Response to US Idealism B Pursuit to Power realpolitik 2 Neo Realism Kenneth Waltz A Aka Structural Realism B Assumptions 1 States are Rational Unitary Actors 2 States seek security 3 Anarchy C Balance of Power 1 Alliances 2 Bandwagoning 3 Balancing D Polarity 1 Uni polarity hegemony 2 Bi polarity 3 Multi polarity E Security Dilemma Prisoner s Dilemma Realists focus on the role of the individual state concerning itself with power security Liberals look at the global community as a whole looking beyond the state Constructivist Identity perspective focus on cultural norms values and cultural patterns There are very large patterns of empires followed by states of equilibrium 1 Classical Realism develops around the time of the world wars Idealism influenced by Enlightenment ideas the perfectibility of man Wars are created by flawed individuals and flaw individuals create flaw governments If something is flawed it can be fixed such as creating better communication among states respecting the sovereign rights of other states and spreading democracy The League of Nations was formed after WW1 was created to enhance communication among states and prevent war Obviously failed it was too idealistic Realist thinkers view wars as natural and inevitable States are interested in power and want more which leads to conflict Zero sum game wanting power at someone else s expense Neo Realism The role of the individual is taken out and the structure of the international system is highlighted How states are aligned and work together Focus taken off power and unto survival EX Classical Realist would claim Hitler caused WWII Structural realist would claim that the structure of Europe caused it States are very individualistic political ideology is irrelevant Survival is upmost Anarchy is undisputed between the realists liberals and constructivists There is no international power The UN does not govern it is used for peacekeeping A state of anarchy does breed insecurity Internationally we need a balance of power states need allies Bandwagoning smaller states join the powerful states Alliances are not fixed however and can change Doesn t help the weaker state in the long term many times the larger state will turn on the smaller Ex Soviet Union and Germany in WWII 1871 German unification upset balance of power in Europe Uni polarity one state having all the power US was hegemon after the cold war when the soviet union fell Bi polarity two major powers if they have equal power they off set each other Most stable sense of security Muli polarity what the world is currently moving into with the US China EU Alliances become trickier Realists don t believe that communication will guarantee cooperation When we cooperate with other powers we see them gaining as well The realists are not going to completely trust International Institutions Some cases causes preemption Ex Israel with Iran
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