Classical Realism and Neo-Realism/Structural Realism in International Relations Theory

Summary

In this insightful video from the School of Political Science, the concepts of classical realism and neo-realism in international relations are explored. Classical realism, associated with thinkers like Machiavelli and Hobbes, emphasizes power dynamics and human nature, with E.H. Carr and Hans Morgenthau shaping its foundational principles. Morgenthau's six principles highlight the significance of national interest and the lack of universal moral standards. The emergence of neo-realism in the late 1970s, led by Kenneth Waltz and John Mearsheimer, shifts focus to structural analysis, examining how state behavior is influenced by the anarchic nature of the international system and the pursuit of power. This video sets the stage for deeper discussions on realism's core assumptions.

Takeaways

• 📚 Classical realism is associated with thinkers like Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Hobbes.
• 🔍 E.H. Carr's *The Twenty Years' Crisis* critiques idealism and emphasizes the role of power in international relations.
• 📖 Hans J. Morgenthau's *Politics Among Nations* outlines six key principles of political realism.
• ⚖️ One principle states that politics is governed by objective laws rooted in human nature.
• 🔗 The concept of interest defined in terms of power is central to understanding international politics.
• 🌐 Neo-realism emerged in the late 1970s in response to criticisms of classical realism, particularly regarding economics and non-state actors.
• 🏛️ Kenneth Waltz introduced structural realism, emphasizing the importance of the structure of international relations over human nature.
• ⚔️ John Mearsheimer's offensive realism argues that states seek to maximize their power for security and dominance.
• 🛡️ Key elements of neo-realism include the organizing principles of anarchy and hierarchy in international relations.
• ⚖️ The distribution of capabilities among states is crucial for understanding outcomes like war and peace.

Q & A

What is classical realism in international relations?

Classical realism is a theory that emphasizes the role of power in international relations and is associated with classical thinkers like Thucydides, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Thomas Hobbes.

Who are the main contributors to classical realism?

E.H. Carr and Hans J. Morgenthau are the key figures in classical realism. Carr's book 'The Twenty Years' Crisis' critiques idealism, while Morgenthau's work outlines principles of political realism.

What are the six principles of political realism according to Hans Morgenthau?

1) Politics is governed by objective laws rooted in human nature. 2) The concept of interest, defined in terms of power, is key. 3) Forms of state power may vary, but interests remain consistent. 4) Universal moral principles do not guide state behavior. 5) Moral aspirations are specific to individual nations. 6) The political sphere is autonomous, focusing on power.

What prompted the emergence of neo-realism?

Neo-realism emerged in the late 1970s as a response to new liberalism, which criticized classical realism for neglecting economic factors and the influence of non-state actors in international relations.

How does Kenneth Waltz define neo-realism?

Kenneth Waltz defines neo-realism as a structural approach to international relations that focuses on the organization of the system, differentiation of units, and distribution of capabilities among those units.

What are the two organizing principles identified by Waltz?

The two organizing principles are anarchy, which refers to the struggle for power among states, and hierarchy, which refers to the basis of domestic order.

What is the concept of 'self-help' in neo-realism?

Self-help is the principle that states must rely on themselves for security in an anarchic international system, leading them to increase their own defensive power.

What distinguishes offensive realism from defensive realism?

Offensive realism, as described by John Mearsheimer, argues that states seek to dominate and establish hegemony over others, while defensive realism suggests that states pursue security through moderate policies.

How does the distribution of power influence international relations according to neo-realism?

The distribution of capabilities among states is crucial for understanding international outcomes, such as war and peace, as it determines the balance of power within the system.

What will the speaker cover in the next video?

The speaker plans to discuss the basic assumptions and principles of realism in the next video.