Theory in Action: Realism

Summary

The transcript presents a discussion on realism, contrasting it with liberalism in international relations. Realism is portrayed as a worldview focused on power, security, and autonomy, driven by a belief in a self-help system where states must rely on themselves for survival. Realists are skeptical of interdependence, seeing the world as inherently dangerous, with alliances shifting over time. They reject idealistic visions of perpetual peace and argue that conflicts stem from conflicting national interests, not moral crusades. Liberals, in contrast, are seen as too optimistic, believing in the potential for interdependence and promoting democracy and human rights.

Takeaways

• 🥃 A realist sees the world through the lens of power and security, emphasizing autonomy and self-reliance.
• 🔍 Realists are skeptical of interdependence because they believe that in a dangerous world, today's friend could be tomorrow's enemy.
• 🛡️ Realism suggests that states relentlessly seek power and security in a self-help system where there are no guarantees of safety.
• ⚔️ Realists view the world as tragic and full of evil, where the best outcome is choosing the lesser evil.
• ❓ A fundamental realist question is how much power is enough, as the future remains unpredictable in terms of alliances and threats.
• 🌍 Liberals believe in interdependence and promoting peace, but realists think this approach is naive in a dangerous world.
• 🕊️ Realists are skeptical of promoting democracy and human rights, as they believe it often leads to conflicts and quagmires.
• 📜 For realists, war is justified when it promotes national interests, whereas liberals justify war based on promoting human rights.
• ⚖️ Realism suggests that moralizing and crusading for democracy can lead to unnecessary involvement and conflicts.
• 🌪️ The realist worldview is often seen as Hobbesian, where international politics is characterized by a constant danger of war, even if war itself doesn’t always occur.

Q & A

What is the difference between a realist and an idealist according to the script?

A realist would order a half-empty glass of vodka, focusing on power, security, and autonomy in a dangerous world. An idealist would order a half-full glass, emphasizing interdependence and optimism about cooperation among states.

What do realists believe about power and security?

Realists believe that states are constantly seeking power and security in a self-help system, where they cannot trust others and must rely on themselves.

Why are realists skeptical about interdependence?

Realists are skeptical about interdependence because they believe that in a dangerous world, being mutually dependent makes states vulnerable. Today’s friend could be tomorrow’s enemy, so it’s risky to rely on others.

What do realists think about the possibility of perpetual peace?

Realists reject utopian ideas about perpetual peace based on a natural harmony of interests. They see the world as full of tragedy and evil, where the best outcome is choosing the lesser evil.

How do realists view the promotion of democracy in international relations?

Realists view the promotion of democracy skeptically, believing it leads to quagmires and doesn’t work well. They argue that promoting national interest, not human rights or democracy, should guide foreign policy.

What is the realist perspective on war?

Realists believe that war is always a lurking danger in international politics because states operate in a state of nature, where no global authority guarantees peace. War may not always happen, but the risk is constant.

How do realists define a 'just war'?

For realists, a 'just war' is one that promotes the national interest, unlike liberals who argue that only wars promoting human rights are just.

Why do realists prioritize autonomy in international politics?

Realists prioritize autonomy because in a world where trust is scarce and alliances shift, states want to avoid dependence on others to ensure their survival and security.

What do realists believe about moralizing in foreign policy?

Realists are critical of moralizing and crusading foreign policies, arguing that they lead to unnecessary entanglements. Instead, they focus on pragmatism and national interest over promoting democracy or human rights abroad.

What analogy does the script use to describe the realist view of the international system?

The script uses a Hobbesian analogy of a 'war of all against all' to describe the realist view of international politics, where no world government or authority exists to ensure peace, and states must fend for themselves.