Realism

• What does realism imply in international relations?

  It takes a practical, matter-of-fact approach
• Who are considered the most important actors in realism?

  States are the most important actors
• What do realists believe about global governance?

  It is unreliable and does not provide order
• What is the empirical view of realism?

  It follows tradition rather than being theoretical
• What is a key idea of realism regarding human nature?

  Humans are selfish
• What do classical realists believe is the root cause of conflicts?

  Selfish human nature
• Who argued that human beings are selfish and self-centered?

  Morgenthau
• How do realists use the prisoners' dilemma to support their views?

  It illustrates self-interest and betrayal
• What is the safest strategy according to realists?

  Expect betrayal and pre-empt it
• Why do states not work together according to realists?

  They do not know each other's intentions
• What do realists believe about competition among states?

  Competition is inevitable and leads to war
• How do states engage in decision-making according to realism?

  Through rational calculations of interests
• What determines a state's decision to go to war or make a trade deal?

  Relative value of costs versus benefits
• Which thinker could realists be compared to regarding human nature?

  Hobbes
• What is a similarity between Hobbes and realists' views?

  Humans are rational and self-interested
• What do realists believe about states as actors?

  States are unitary actors with fixed interests
• What does Huntington argue about states and culture?

  Conflict will be between civilizations
• Why is Huntington described as a realist?

  He believes in the clash of civilizations
• How do states act according to realism?

  They act based on their interests, not morality
• What motivates states according to realists?

  The pursuit of national interest and power
• What is the zero-sum game in realism?

  As one state gains power, others lose
• What do realists say about international anarchy?

  There is no higher authority than the state
• What is the implication of international anarchy according to realists?

  States act selfishly without accountability
• What does Hobbes argue about the state of nature?

  It is 'nasty, brutish, and short'
• How is Hobbes' view similar to that of realists?

  Both believe in international anarchy causing conflict
• How is realism illustrated as a billiard ball model?

  Individual states collide but do not cooperate
• Why is realism referred to as a billiard ball model?

  It emphasizes sovereignty and self-interest
• What does 'hitting each other' in the billiard ball model signify?

  It affects the states involved in conflict
• Why do many critics criticize the term 'realism'?

  It implies liberals are unrealistic
• What do critics suggest is the priority of realists?

  Power and securing
• Why do realists challenge interdependence?

  They want autonomy because trust is lacking
• Why do realists criticize the international enforcing of human rights?

  Human rights lead to wars and require diversity
• What is the realist view on human nature?

  • Humans are self-interested and rational
  • States reflect human nature
• What is the anarchical world order according to realism?

  • Nation-states are legitimate and powerful actors
  • Global politics is characterized by anarchy
• What does anarchy promote in global politics?

  A lack of government or disorder
• What are the two views of society between realists and liberals?

  • Anarchical Society: No global state, chaos
  • Society of States: Economic interdependence, global authority
• What do realists argue about international organizations?

  They provide little real order
• How do states interact with international organizations according to realists?

  They remain sovereign and pursue self-interests
• What is the authority of IGOs according to realists?

  Limited in impact and effectiveness
• What does the absence of authority above nation-state level lead to?

  States can breach international law