Download Realism Theory in International Affairs: Classical, Liberal, Neo-Realism & Security - Prof and more Study notes International Business in PDF only on Docsity! Intro To International Affiars Realism Continued September 5, 2012 I. Classical Realism: role on the individual state, concerned with security, survival, power of the state, develops around the time of the world wars, focuses on the role of individual to prevent war a. flawed individuals create flawed systems-however in this belief comes the idea that it can be fixed i. Emphasizes increase of communication ii. Recognizes sovereign states iii. Spread of Democracy b. Hans Morgenthau: wrote Politics Among Nations in regards to this new idea c. Realism theory focuses on two patterns : Empire-created do to the quest for power Equilibrium -War is natural and inevitable—states strive to achieve power -Believe preparing oneself—creating a zero-sum game will prevent war d. Response = Idealism: created the League of Nations to prevent war- it failed in preventing WWII e. Pursuit of Power (realpolitik) II. Liberalism: looks at a more pluralistic viewpoint, within the state III. Constructive (identity) perspective: values, normal, cultural patterns IV. Neo-Realism/Structural Realism (Kenneth Waltz): develops in the late 1970s a. Removes the individual out of the equation (no longer looking for flawed indiv), it is the institution as a whole, how are states aligned? How do they work together? b. States are in completion with each other c. Removes the focus off power and on survival Ex: Hitler was not the problem, Germany was strengthening-posing a threat to its neighbors creating a Security Dilemma for Germany d. Assumptions i. States are Rational Unitary Actors: each state is indiv, looks after its own self-interest, political ideology (democracy or dictatorship) is not a concern ii. States seek their own security: they have other interests but this is the first/most important 1. Brings about the idea that war is natural-concern for security 2. As one nation increase power to increase their security they create insecurity for others iii. Anarchy: there is no international governing power that tells us what to so, all sovereign states 1. UN doesn’t govern, simply peacekeeping, no guarantee of security-must prepare ourselves 2. Breeds insecurity e. Balance of power: international approach to establishing security/avoiding war i. Alliances: inevitable to stand up against enemies 1. Fluid, constantly change, situational ii. Bandwagoning: smaller states form alliance with a more powerful state 1. Most realists don’t believe this establishes security iii. Balancing: fluid alliances balance each other out, not a guarantee 1. 1871 German Unification -balance of powers changed-culminating in war f. Polarity i. Uni-Polarity/hegemony ii. Bi-polarity: offers the best sense of security, was the most stable for the world, does not believe communication will bring about security 1. 1949 Iron Curtain: divided Germany between East and West iii. Multi-polarity: g. Security Dilemma-Prisoner’s dilemma
