Realism flashcards

All 30 cards

1. Card 1

   Define Realism as a theory of International Relations, distinguishing it from a foreign policy framework.

   Realism is a family of theories within international relations, not a specific foreign policy framework. It seeks to explain why conflict and competition persist in the international system, often emphasizing the importance of hard power and the recurring nature of certain patterns despite efforts to avoid them.

2. Card 2

   Explain the concept of 'anarchy' within the realist perspective of the international system.

   In realism, anarchy refers to the absence of a central, legitimate authority above states in the international system. This lack of a global government means that states must rely on themselves for security, leading to a self-help system where each state is ultimately responsible for its own survival.

3. Card 3

   According to realism, what is the primary motivation for states' actions in the international system?

   Realism posits that states are primarily motivated by their own interests, particularly the pursuit of power and security. Ideology often takes a backseat to pragmatic concerns, as states act rationally to ensure their survival and enhance their position in an anarchic environment.

4. Card 4

   Which historical figure is associated with the concept of 'amorality' and 'self-help' in international relations, as presented in 'The Prince'?

   B. Niccolò Machiavelli. Machiavelli's 'The Prince' (1532) introduced the ideas of amorality and self-help, suggesting that leaders should prioritize pragmatism and the state's survival over moral considerations in foreign policy.

5. Card 5

   How did the failure of Wilsonian liberalism in the 1930s contribute to the emergence of modern realist theory?

   The inability of international institutionalism, championed by Wilsonian liberalism, to resolve major political crises like Japan's actions in China or the Abyssinian crisis, led to a challenge to liberal optimism. This failure highlighted the limitations of common efforts at peace and provided a fertile ground for realist thinkers like E. H. Carr to argue for the enduring influence of anarchy and cynical leadership.

6. Card 6

   What is the core difference between Classical Realism and Structural Realism regarding the causes of conflict?

   Classical Realism attributes conflict to the corruptible nature of man and the presence of 'evil' leaders (first image analysis). Structural Realism, in contrast, argues that conflict arises primarily from the anarchic structure of the international system itself, rather than the internal makeup of states or the character of their leaders (third image analysis).

7. Card 7

   According to Structural Realism, what does it mean for states to be considered 'black boxes'?

   In Structural Realism, treating states as 'black boxes' means that their internal characteristics, such as their political system, ideology, or the personalities of their leaders, are largely disregarded when analyzing international relations. The focus is instead on how the external structure of the international system influences their behavior.

8. Card 8

   Which of the following is NOT a defining feature of the realist family of theories? A. The international system as anarchy B. States as primary actors C. The inevitability of conflict D. The primacy of international law and institutions

   D. The primacy of international law and institutions. Realism generally views international law and institutions as secondary to state power and interests, often as reflections of the balance of power rather than independent forces.

9. Card 9

   Explain the concept of the 'security dilemma' and its significance in realist thought.

   The security dilemma is a core concept in realism where actions taken by a state to increase its own security, such as building up its military, are perceived as threatening by other states. This can lead to a reciprocal build-up of arms, ultimately decreasing the security of all states involved, even if none initially intended aggression.

10. Card 10

    How does Defensive Realism differ from Offensive Realism in its view of state goals?

    Defensive Realism posits that states are primarily security seekers whose ultimate goal is to maintain their security and survival within the anarchic system, encouraging cautious balancing. Offensive Realism, however, argues that great powers are 'power maximizers' whose ultimate goal is to achieve regional hegemony, viewing expansionism as often rational.

11. Card 11

    What is the significance of E. H. Carr's 'The Twenty Years Crisis' (1939) in the development of modern realist theory?

    E. H. Carr's 'The Twenty Years Crisis' was a seminal work that challenged the liberal optimism prevalent in the 1930s. It argued that anarchy, uncertainty, and the self-interested nature of leaders undermined common efforts at peace, thereby laying a critical foundation for the modern realist perspective.

12. Card 12

    According to Defensive Realism, what encourages cautious balancing among states?

    Defensive Realism argues that the anarchic nature of the international system encourages cautious balancing among states. States primarily seek to maintain their security and survival, and therefore tend to form alliances against potential threats rather than bandwagoning with aggressive powers.

13. Card 13

    What role does 'rational choice theory' play in Structural Realism's understanding of foreign policy decisions?

    In Structural Realism, rational choice theory is central to understanding foreign policy decisions. States are assumed to make rational calculations based on their interests within the international system's structure, even if these choices do not always appear 'smart' in hindsight, as they are driven by the need for survival and power.

14. Card 14

    Which of the following historical events is cited by realists as an example of balancing against revisionism? A. The signing of the Treaty of Versailles B. The Peloponnesian War C. The Cuban Missile Crisis D. The formation of the United Nations

    B. The Peloponnesian War. Thucydides' account of the Peloponnesian War is a foundational text for realists, illustrating the concept of the balance of power and states balancing against a rising, revisionist power (Athens).

15. Card 15

    How does Offensive Realism explain the behavior of rising powers like China?

    Offensive Realism predicts that rising powers like China will seek to dominate their sphere of influence and prevent others from doing the same. It views these states as 'power maximizers' that will rationally pursue expansionism and potentially use war as a tool to achieve regional hegemony, given the anarchic nature of the international system.

16. Card 16

    What are the four major variables that Steven Walt developed for his 'balance of threat' theory?

    Steven Walt developed 'balance of threat' with four major variables: relative power (economic, human resources, industrial, etc.), the offense/defense balance, perception of intentions, and geographic proximity. These factors collectively determine how threatening a state perceives another to be.

17. Card 17

    What does Thomas Hobbes' 'Leviathan' (1651) contribute to the historical foundations of realism?

    Hobbes' 'Leviathan' contributes the concept of the 'condition of nature' or the stateless world, where life is 'nasty, brutish, and short.' This emphasizes materialism, the necessity of a social contract, and the need for a strong state (the Leviathan) to escape anarchy, which is a core analogy for the international system in realism.

18. Card 18

    According to Defensive Realism, why is expansionism often counterproductive for states?

    Defensive Realism argues that expansionism is often counterproductive because it tends to provoke counter-balancing by other states. Instead of gaining security, aggressive expansion can lead to alliances forming against the expanding power, ultimately undermining its security and leading to shifts in the distribution of power.

19. Card 19

    In the context of realism, what is meant by a 'zero-sum' system?

    A 'zero-sum' system in realism refers to a situation where one state's gain in power or security necessarily means another state's loss. This implies that cooperation is difficult and often temporary, as states are constantly competing for finite resources and influence, making it impossible for all to gain simultaneously.

20. Card 20

    Which of the following theorists is most closely associated with Classical Realism? A. Kenneth Waltz B. Steven Walt C. Hans Morgenthau D. John Mearsheimer

    C. Hans Morgenthau. Hans Morgenthau is widely considered the most prominent figure and a key architect of Classical Realism, emphasizing the role of human nature and the struggle for power in international politics.

21. Card 21

    How does the 'stopping power of water' influence the parameters of the modern international system according to Offensive Realism?

    In Offensive Realism, the 'stopping power of water' refers to the geographical barrier that oceans present, making it difficult for a state to project power across vast distances and achieve global hegemony. This concept helps define regional spheres of influence and explains why a state like the US might act as an 'offshore balancer' in areas like Asia-Pacific and Europe.

22. Card 22

    What is the primary difference between 'status quo powers' and 'revisionist powers' in realist thought?

    Status quo powers are states that are content with the current distribution of power in the international system and seek to maintain it. Revisionist powers, in contrast, are states that seek to change the existing distribution of power, often through expansion or challenging the established order.

23. Card 23

    Why do realists emphasize the importance of 'hard power'?

    Realists emphasize 'hard power' because they believe that in an anarchic international system, military and economic capabilities are the ultimate guarantors of a state's security and survival. Hard power allows states to defend themselves, deter aggression, and exert influence, which are crucial in a self-help environment where trust is scarce.

24. Card 24

    According to realism, what is the role of 'amorality' in international relations?

    Amorality in international relations, as understood by realists, means that states should prioritize their national interests and survival above universal moral principles. Leaders are expected to make pragmatic decisions that benefit their state, even if those decisions are not considered morally ideal, because the international system lacks a higher moral authority.

25. Card 25

    What does the concept of 'balance of power' entail in realist theory?

    The 'balance of power' in realist theory refers to a state of affairs where no single state or bloc of states is powerful enough to dominate all others. States constantly adjust their alliances and military capabilities to prevent any one power from achieving hegemony, thereby maintaining a relative equilibrium and deterring potential aggressors.

26. Card 26

    Define the core concept of the 'security dilemma' within realist understandings of international conflict.

    The security dilemma describes a situation where actions taken by a state to increase its own security, such as building up its military, are perceived as threatening by other states. This can lead those other states to take similar measures, resulting in an arms race and increased tension, even if none of the states initially intended to provoke conflict. It highlights the tragic irony where seeking defense can inadvertently lead to offensive perceptions and instability.

27. Card 27

    How does offensive realism differ from defensive realism regarding the ultimate goals of great powers?

    Offensive realism posits that great powers are 'power maximizers' whose ultimate goal is to achieve regional hegemony, viewing all great powers as revisionists. In contrast, defensive realism suggests that states primarily seek to maintain their security and the status quo, only becoming revisionist if they perceive a threat. Defensive realists argue that expansionism is often counterproductive, while offensive realists see war and expansion as rational tools to gain power.

28. Card 28

    According to Professor Steven Walt's 'balance of threat' theory, which of the following is NOT a major variable in determining a state's perception of threat? A) Relative power B) Offence/defence balance C) Geographic proximity D) Cultural similarities

    D) Cultural similarities. Professor Steven Walt's 'balance of threat' theory identifies four major variables: Relative power (economic, HR, industrial, etc.), Offence/defence balance, Perception of intentions, and Geographic Proximity. Cultural similarities are not listed as one of his primary variables for determining threat perception.

29. Card 29

    Explain why defensive realists believe that expansionism is often counterproductive for great powers.

    Defensive realists argue that expansionism is often counterproductive because it tends to provoke balancing behavior from other states. When a state attempts to expand its power or territory, it signals aggressive intentions, leading other states to form alliances against it to maintain the balance of power. This balancing act can negate any gains from expansion and potentially lead to costly conflicts, making such actions ultimately detrimental to a state's long-term security.

30. Card 30

    What is meant by the 'stopping power of water' in offensive realist theory, and how does it influence the parameters of the modern international system?

    The 'stopping power of water' refers to the geographical barrier that large bodies of water, particularly oceans, pose to the projection of military power. In offensive realist theory, it helps define the parameters of the modern system by limiting a great power's ability to achieve global hegemony, often confining them to regional dominance. For example, it explains how the US can act as an 'offshore balancer' in regions like Asia-Pacific and Europe, as its geographic isolation provides a degree of security and allows it to project power selectively without being directly threatened by land-based rivals.

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