Introduction to International Affairs Exam I Study Guide Intro to Realism Class 08 29 I II Classical Realism Hans Morgenthau A Response to U S Idealism B Pursuit of Power realpolitik 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 Hegemonic Stability Theory 2 Bi Polarity 3 Multi Polarity E Security Dilemma Prisoner s Dilemma Game Theory Realism dominant theory of the 20th century o Emphasis on power structures early stages How a state exerts power Realpolitik power politics Shift from power to security goal of ensuring survival of the state Security for survival Realism deals with state actors alone Doesn t ignore international organizations but these can never be more powerful than the state they serve the interests of the state State is always the primary player and ultimate authority o Historical intellectual realists Thucydides Niccolo Machiavelli Thomas Hobbes Carl von Clausewitz realism traced to ancient times deep roots Father of classical realism in the U S Hans Morgenthau Politics Among Nations 1948 o End of wars leaders were too idealistic Woodrow Wilson They thought that flawed leadership could be cured to create a perfect system o Realists thought these were na ve ideas Idealists called for increased communication between states emphasized recognizing sovereignty of other states and for the spread of democracy in order to prevent conflict Idealists now known as Neo liberals Agreed that the leadership and systems were flawed but thought it couldn t be fixed so easily They found perfectibility laughable against human nature Realists thought they had a more realistic understanding of how the international system worked than idealists Realists believed that flaws are natural and that they would lead us into war because leaders seek power and by default states seek power When each state seeks power there is conflict Gain at one another s expense Realists human nature can t be overcome warfare is a natural part of human development and the international system War can be avoided by preparing for it be ready to defend o Hobbesian view mankind inherently selfish evil aggressive Characteristics of the individual are super imposed upon the state which they lead The state is a reflection of its leader In the 1960s and 70s there was a shift in thinking amongst realists Neo Structural Realism o Kenneth Waltz led the way Theory of International Politics 1979 Saw patterns in the structure of the system how states were aligned with each other Emphasis away from leaders individuals System drives states structure of system creates insecurity which leads states to act in a manner that leads to conflict Security for the sake of survival shift away from emphasis on power and power structures States have to look out for themselves self help scenario Draws states into competition o To Waltz Hitler didn t start World War II we had a Europe without a balance of power Germany s behavior was predicted by lack of system to hold Germany back insecurity war There is a predictable pattern based on the structure of the system Structural is dominant brand of realism today Assumptions of realism 1 States are rational unitary actors They work alone making rational decisions about their security They look out for themselves and work as individual players in the international system not regional or ideological blocks Each state works for itself and it may not always play nice with the others 2 States seek security To maintain and seek security is the only way to ensure survival which is the ultimate goal A state won t do anything to willingly compromise its own security States often seek security at the expense of the security of another 3 Realists argue that we live in a state of anarchy there is no governing body over states Because there is no one else to help there is insecurity Anarchy breeds insecurity and states are led to act in a rash or selfish manner States have selfish desires and behaviors it s a war of all against all We can expect war to be common which it has consistently been Realists have been accused to being warmongers they push for greater security and military power But their goal is to avoid war by understanding why and how it happens o The best way to prevent war is to have a balance of power This makes the world most secure and stable o Ex In the Cold War there was a balance of power no one was attacked and the war was never hot Therefore there were decades of peace o Small states seek alliances with powerful states for security o Strong states also seek allies additional reinforcements Bandwagoning smaller state seeks alliance with a major power for protection Sometimes the greater power overruns and takes advantage of the weaker power o Ex Sung Dynasty 10th century known to be economically strong but not militarily Liao pesters Sung in the north Sung looks to the north of Lao the Jurchens for military backup to defeat Liao The Jurchens took Sung territory and pushed them south The Sung then made an alliance to the Mongols north of the Jurchens who took everything o Common result of bandwagoning smaller state taken advantage of o Ex WWII 1939 Germany and Russia signed non aggression pact Russia weaker bandwagoned for security backfired Germany invaded Russia Balance is a better option than bandwagoning realists predict states will balance natural behavior o Realists warn against alliances They don t believe that they should be fixed always fluid With an alliance a state can get drawn into someone else s war A state should get in and out of an alliance as it serves the interest of the state There are no guarantees things change Realists warn against vulnerability Alliances help balance the international system balance determined by polarity 1 Uni Polarity one major power Hegemonic Stability Theory one hegemon today s configuration now the U S is the most powerful Some realists say the idea scenario is that the hegemon is so powerful it can deter any threats but the majority of realists don t think this A hegemon can breed insecurity 2 Bi Polarity 2 poles of power In favor by majority of realists Like the Cold War 2 sides off set each other This is a true balance of power most likely to have peace There is no direct conflict The world was more stable in the Cold War than it currently is 3 Multi Polarity
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