Realism
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States main actors
States are unitary
States are rational
States’ primary interest is national security
Realist assumptions
• Nation states are most important actors
• There is a sharp distinction between
domestic and international politics
• International politics is a struggle for power
• The understand that struggle is the purpose
for the IR discipline
Principles of realism
• Politics is governed by objective lawsrationality
• Concept of interest defined as power
• Key concept of interest is objective and
universally valid
• Universal moral principles do not apply
• Politics is distinct from other spheres
Realist premises
• Countries have conflicting interests
• Different interests lead to confrontation
• Countries’ power determine outcome of
conflict
• Therefore, politics aim to increase, keep and
demonstrate power
Power vs.interests
• Is promotion of interest the goal?
• Is power the tool to achieve that interest? \
• Or is power an end in itself?
Fundamental interests for all
• Physical survival
• Promote economic well being
• Preserve national self determination and
identity
• These are the core values of foreign policy
Determinants of
Power/capabilities
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Military
Geographic
Political
Economic
population
Morgenthau’s political realism
• All politics reveal 3 basic patterns of power
• Policy of status quo-aims at maintenance of
power
• Policy of prestige-aims at demonstration of
power
• Policy of imperialism-aims at increasing
power
Differentiations for Power
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Usable versus unusable power
Power versus Force
Legitimate versus illegitimate power
Power versus capabilities
Power versus influence
Power
• Is multidimensional
• Is situational
• Is relative
Realism
• Operates on raison d’etat: realpolitik
national interest is the driving force for state
conduct
• Tool to promote that is power
• Foreign policy-operationalisation of
national interest