Classical Realism vs. Structural Realism

Classical Realism vs. Structural Realism

1. Neorealism (Structural Realism)

   • Positivistic science
   • Given system in international politics is Anarchy
   • States are unitary actors (security maximisers)
   • Offensive and Defensive Realism
   • Does not matter what goes on inside of the state
   • No higher power than states

2. Kenneth Waltz - Theory of International Politics

   • Defensive Realism
   • Two elements: Units (states)) and the structure of the system
   • Units are unitary actors (black box)
   • Assumptions regarding the state
     • One general interest: survival
     • Rational actors
     • Insecurity about the intentions of other states
     • Element to distinguish states: power-capabilities

3. Neorealism and The Global World Order

   • Anarchy leads to security maximisation
   • Balance of power provides security
   • "Self-help system is one in which those who do not help themselves will fail to prosper, will lay themselves open to dangers, will suffer. Fear of such unwanted consequences stimulates to behave in ways that tend toward the creation of balances of power"
   • Permanent comparison of power capabilities
   • Hierarchy only exists within the state
   • Zero-sum game

4. Offensive Realism

   • Structural theory first postulated by John Mearsheimer
   • Anarchic nature of the international system responsible for aggressive state behaviour in international politics
   • Great powers are power-maximising
   • Ultimate aim to dominate the international system

5. Defensive Realism

   • Looks at states as socialised players
   • Anarchy on the world stage causes states to become obsessed with security
   • Security dilemma

6. Classical Realism

   • Emigre Scholars from Europe (emigrated to the USA in the 1930's)
   • Hans Morgenthau, Hannah Arendt, John Herz or Waldemar Gurlan
   • Were primarily concerned about depoliticisation in modern socieities
   • Work was misunderstood by positivistic scholars and critical/poststructural scholars
   • 'Optimistic'

7. Conditionality of Knowledge

   • Frankfurt School and Karl Mannheim
   • No absolute or universal knowledge because knowledge is always tied to a specific spatial and temporal context
   • Morgenthau: There are eternal questions of politics - because we cannot have a definite answer to any of these questions
   • Analyse specific knowledge-power relations that shape our social life-worlds - there is not just one possible now, but many

8. Power

   • Usually understood in the way Max Weber defined it: Power is the ability to enforce one's opinion on another person or group and dominate their life-world
   • Normative Power - The ability to act in concert; People come together, work together, and aspire to achieve a common goal

9. The Political

   • Political Difference: The Political vs. Politics
   • The political is a colouring that can be attached to any issue
     • Whenever people take an interest in an issue and come together to discuss it, the political is established (Sphere of elasticity)
     • The space that allows the creation of political institutions
   • Antagonism of Interests: Different interests are necessary and have to be expressed in order to have a truly democratic decision making process

10. Wise Politicians

    • Wisdom: Politicians need to be prudent in the Aristotelian sense
    • Political judgement must rest on ethical concerns in which the different interests of people are considered and weighted according to their public support
    • Politics is not a science but an art

11. A Plea for a World Community

    • Morgenthau: Nation-State is a blind and potent monster
    • World community before a world state
    • Political spheres needed that transcend natural-national borders
      • By enabling people to get together on various differrent levels, these spheres would allow for the creation of intersubjectivity
      • Compromises can be found because the flexibility of political spheres alloows them to accomodate the numerous and diverse interest of people
    • Nuclear weapons made Nation-State obsolete

12. Conclusion

    • Classical Realism
      • Power = Interests but interests are complex
      • Politics is an art
      • Ethics and morality part of politics
      • Individuals and states matter
      • Progressive elements
    • Neorealism
      • Power = Material capabilities
      • Politics is a science
      • Morality not the domain of science
      • Structure matters
      • Conservative