Realism the Theory Lect Bba 3

7/29/2019 Realism the Theory Lect Bba 3

1/17

REALISM THETHEORY

INTRODUCTION TOINTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

LECTURE 4


2/17

THEORY

what is a theory and what is it intended to

do? why are there theories of international

relations

What do we need theories for?

History provides us with facts, newspapers

with information on current affairs.


3/17

theories are explanations for how and why

certain events and developments occur (or willoccur) there are plausible and implausibletheories a theoretical framework is a means oforganizing premises, argument, and empirical

content. It gives a coherent, scholarly basis toclaims about what is happening in the world alltheories have certain presumptions and logic or should have some issues, questions,

presumptions :humans are cooperative or competitive? are

states (and/or nations) cooperative orcompetitive


4/17

Theory: in order to abstract, analyze and generalize

from single events.

Abstraction: use of generic terms: state, structure,system...

Analysis: test of hypothesis derived from theories, or

development of new hypotheses;

Generalization: placing of single event in pattern,understanding it as part of a larger picture. US

intervention in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama...

Great power politics vs. its sphere of influence. US

intervention in WWI and WWII and Korea andVietnam and Persian Gulf: commitment to Balance

of Power in regions.


5/17

scope of theory

scope of theory theories that try to explain

particular phenomena - e.g. why Cold War

ended; the rise of Nazism; etc grand

theories that claim to be able to explain

almost everything in history - e.g. why (any)

war occurs; human nature; etc


6/17

functions of theory

functions of theory injects meaning and order

into what we observe (or think we do)

attempts to explain reality helps to

understand cause and effect some theories

attempt to predict and control


7/17

Theories of IR

Realism: the state

Neo-Realism: state-system

liberalism: states/non-state actors (globalinteraction)

Marxism: economic classes

dependency theory: economic core/periphery

constructivism: ideas, values, norms, humanagency

feminist: gender post-colonial: race/ethnicity


8/17

important Realist scholars in

the 20th Century

the most influential ones:

Hans Morgenthau - Politics AmongNations: The Struggle for Power andPeace (1948)

Edward H. Carr - The Twenty Years Crisis:1919-1939

Kenneth Waltz: - Man, the State and War(1959) - Theory of International Politics(1979)


9/17

Definitions of Power

Power is the ability to get someone to do something they

would not have otherwise done

The ability to influence the behaviour of others in a

desired pattern to achieve certain goals


10/17

Sources of Power:

Military power

Population

Economic Power

Geographical Location

Diplomatic Skill

History and Culture


11/17

the timeless wisdom of

Realism

the timeless wisdom of Realism is dominanttheory of world politics throughout history ofacademic IR even longer history outside

academia: classical political theorists:Thucydides, Machiavelli, Morgenthaw wereskeptical about the capacity of human reasonto deliver moral progress

Hobbes: life is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish,and short - forces of the state are necessary tomaintain order and security


12/17

Realism

most influential theory in IR: focuses on states behavior in apolitical system characterized by anarchy (absence of centralauthority/government).

survival; only means available: self-help.

Power the central concept, power decides what states get what,and what states have to do to survive.

Realism is the Theory of Conflict and Difference. It assumes thatcommunity and solidarity are only real within states andsocieties. There is no community of mankind so states should

not waste time and resources fighting for it. The spread of ideals,values and norms is to be avoided


13/17

Realism presumes that states (like people) are

egoistic utility maximisers it is rational for

states (and people) to do this because statesare rational actors

some analysts consider that it can be predicted

mathematically how they will pursue theirinterests (survival, power)

The foreign policy should be pursued on the

bases of power and deception- the lion and foxstrategy


14/17

Commandments realism

Statism

Survival

Self help

Focus: conflict Actors: states who act as unitary rational actors

Goal: survival and power; therefore zero-sum gainconcern with relative gains

Organizing principle: anarchy & self-help

Means: force is usable, effective and long-lasting.

Dynamics of system: acquisition and attempts tobalance power


15/17

REALISM:BASIC PRINCIPLES

States are the principal actors

States are unitary and rationalStates act in their best interest and can be perceived as single entities

The International system is anarchic

There exists no systemic power to safeguard the state

State interest is defined as the expansion and maintenance of state power

Self help requires power maximization

The Security Dilemma

Improvement in security for one weakens the security of others

International Politics is amoral (not immoral)

Morality for the state cannot be equated with individual moralityThere is no universal yardstick of morality

States dont have gods


16/17

President Nixon on US

national interests

Our objective is to support our interests

over the long run with a sound foreign policy.

The more that policy is based on ours and

others interests the more effective our rolecan be. We are not involved in the world

because we have commitments; we have

commitments because we are involved. Ourinterests must shape our commitments rather

than the other way around.


17/17

Criticism

Cooperation exists

Human nature is relative, can be bad can be

good

Harmony of interests leads to peace

International society is anarchical but not

international system

Phenomena of globalization

Realism the Theory Lect Bba 3

Documents

Transcript of Realism the Theory Lect Bba 3