Lecture Notes: Discussion on John Mearsheimer's "The Great Delusion"

Introduction

• Speakers: John Mearsheimer (University of Chicago), Charlie Glazer (George Washington University)
• Moderator: Host at CSIS
• Emergency Protocol: In case of emergency, relocate to the National Geographic Museum.

Book Dedication and Introduction

• Mearsheimer dedicates the book to students taught since his first course in 1974.
• Teaching is a dialectical process; students and colleagues like Charlie Glazer enhance the learning.

Key Themes and Concepts

Liberalism and Realism

• Liberalism: Focuses on individual rights and universalism.
• Nationalism: Emphasizes social groups and prioritizes national interests.
• Liberal Hegemony: U.S. foreign policy post-Cold War aimed at spreading democracy.
• Realism: Focuses on states and balance of power in an anarchic system.

U.S. Foreign Policy and Liberal Hegemony

• Post-Cold War unipolarity led to a liberal foreign policy by the U.S.
• Aim: Spread liberal democracy, open international systems, and increase international institutions.
• Realism and Nationalism: Often clash with liberal policies abroad.

Discussion with Charlie Glazer

• Realism Variants:
  • Offensive Realism: Focus on balance of power.
  • Defensive Realism: Cautions against provoking adversaries.
• Key Historical Context: Post-Cold War, U.S. pursued liberal policies due to lack of balancing powers.

Policy Failures

• Bush Doctrine: Aimed to spread democracy in the Middle East but failed (Iraq, Libya, Syria).
• NATO Expansion: Caused tensions with Russia, leading to conflicts like Crimea.
• Engagement with China: Assumed economic integration would lead to democratization, which didn't happen.

Current International Structure

• Shift from unipolar to multipolar world due to China’s rise and Russia’s resurgence.
• Implication: Liberal hegemony unsustainable; U.S. must adjust foreign policy strategies.

Audience Questions and Comments

• U.S.-Russia Relations: Improved relations may occur due to the rise of China.
• Use of Force: Concerns over undeclared wars and militarization's impact on civil liberties.
• National Defense Strategy: Highlights competition with China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Theoretical Considerations

• Isms Interaction: Liberalism, nationalism, and realism can coexist domestically but conflict internationally.
• U.S. Strategy: In shifting global dynamics, U.S. should focus on realist policies over liberal interventions.

Conclusion

• Debate continues on the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy since the Cold War.
• Emphasis on the need for a realist approach in emerging multipolar world dynamics.
• Panel concludes with an invitation to purchase and read Mearsheimer’s book for deeper insights.