Realism

Realism

1. Views

   • State Egoism: States are inherently selfish and this characterises the global order.
     • States have permanent interests, not permanent allies.
   • International Anarchy: there is nothing higher than the sovereign state.
     • Self help: The state cannot rely on any other actor than itself.
   • States will ALWAYS pursue the National Interest.
     • There is no universally agreed set of moral principles and they do not guide state actions.
   • Relative Gains: States will only pursue a venture if they seek to gain the most out of it
   • Security Dilemma: In building up their militaries, states create anxieties in others, leading to an arms race.
   • A bipolar world is the most stable. Two opposing forces with equal blocs create a 'balance of terror' that keeps the world stable => The Cold War was the most stable.

2. On:

   • Human Nature:
     • Humans are driven by instinct and are therefore, irrational creatures. They are self-seeking and egotistical
   • Power

3. Theorists

   • Thomas Hobbes: Human beings seek 'power after power'
   • Hans Morgenthau: Multi-polarity is the most stable.
   • William Wohlforth: Uni-polarity and a global hegemon is the most stable world order.
   • John Mearsheimer: Offensive realism.
     • Believes that states inherently seek to become the hegemon in the world of anarchy
       • Opposed Ukraine's decision to give up its nuclear weapons in 1994 and correctly predicted that they would face Russian aggression if they did.
   • Kenneth Waltz: Structural Realism.
     • Nuclear Proliferation brings peace.
       • Globalization hasn't affected the world to a great extent because nothing can come above the state.
         • Bipolarity is best

4. Neo- Realism

   • Focuses on the anarchic structure of the International system. States are the primary actors because there is nothing above the sovereign state.
     • Places emphasis on the permanence of conflict.
       • To ensure state security, states must constantly build up their militaries.