Realis Dalam Hubungan Internasional

Summary

The transcript explores the realist theory in international relations, focusing on key thinkers such as Hans Morgenthau, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Kenneth Waltz. It highlights the evolution of international relations after World War I, with a shift from idealist to realist perspectives. Realists argue that states, driven by an inherent desire for power and security, operate within an anarchic international system. The theory emphasizes the importance of national security, the balance of power, and the rational behavior of states in shaping foreign policy. Waltz's neorealism also suggests that bipolar systems are more stable than multipolar ones.

Takeaways

• 😀 Realism in international relations emerged as a response to idealism after World War I, challenging the belief that wars are accidental and driven by human desire for peace.
• 😀 Key realist theorists such as Hans Morgenthau and Reinhold Niebuhr argued that nations, like humans, have an innate desire to dominate others, leading to inevitable conflict.
• 😀 Realists support a balance of power system, where countries strive to maintain or enhance their power to prevent domination by others.
• 😀 Kenneth Waltz introduced neorealism, focusing on the anarchic structure of the international system rather than human nature as the primary driver of state behavior.
• 😀 According to neorealism, the international system has no central authority, and states must rely on their own capabilities to ensure survival.
• 😀 In an anarchic international system, weaker countries form alliances to counterbalance stronger states, creating a more stable, bipolar structure.
• 😀 Realists believe that states are the primary actors in international relations and hold the authority to make decisions independently.
• 😀 States are rational actors, meaning they make foreign policy decisions based on logical calculations, considering available options and resources.
• 😀 National security is the main concern in international relations for realists, who believe that a state's survival is directly linked to its power.
• 😀 Power is central to realism; increasing national power is viewed as the key to securing safety and maintaining stability within the international system.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the script?

The main focus of the script is the theory of realism in international relations, discussing its historical development, key figures, and core concepts.

How did international relations theory evolve after World War I?

After World War I, international relations theory evolved with the rise of idealist thinking, which assumed that humans inherently seek peace and that wars happen by accident. However, this view could not explain the continued occurrence of wars and tensions, leading to the rise of alternative paradigms such as realism.

What is the central argument of realism in international relations?

Realism argues that like humans, nations have an inherent desire to dominate other nations, leading to conflict. Realists believe that international relations are characterized by an anarchic system with no higher authority than the state, which drives countries to pursue power and security.

Who were the key figures associated with the early development of realist theory?

The key figures in the early development of realist theory were Hans Morgenthau and Reinhold Niebuhr, who advocated for classical realism, emphasizing the natural desire of nations to dominate others.

What is the difference between classical realism and neorealism?

Classical realism focuses on the inherent nature of humans to seek dominance, while neorealism, introduced by Kenneth Waltz, shifts the focus to the anarchic international system itself, where states operate without a higher authority, leading to power struggles.

Why does Kenneth Waltz prefer a bipolar system over a multipolar one?

Kenneth Waltz argues that a bipolar system, where there are two dominant powers, is more stable than a multipolar system. In a multipolar system, states tend to form shifting alliances that lead to greater instability.

What are the three main assumptions of realism according to the script?

The three main assumptions of realism are: 1) States are the primary and dominant actors in international relations, 2) States are rational actors that make decisions based on goals and available capabilities, 3) National security is the primary concern, and security can only be achieved by increasing power.

How do realists view the international system?

Realists view the international system as anarchic, meaning there is no higher authority than states. This lack of central authority leads to competition and conflict among states as they seek to secure their interests and increase their power.

What role does power play in realist theory?

Power is central to realist theory, as it is seen as the main driver of state behavior. For realists, the pursuit of power is essential for maintaining national security and achieving dominance in the international arena.

Why is security considered the main issue in international politics according to realists?

For realists, security is the main issue in international politics because in an anarchic system, states must ensure their survival by increasing their power. Without sufficient power, a state is vulnerable to threats from other states.