Lecture on Realism in International Relations

Introduction to Realism

• Realism is a theory focusing on power and security.
• States are seen to relentlessly pursue power and security in a self-help system.
• Realism contrasts with idealism, which is more optimistic about cooperation and mutual benefits.

Core Beliefs of Realism

• Power and Security: Critical as states operate in an anarchic international system.
• Autonomy: Highly valued due to the distrust in international relations.
• Skepticism about Interdependence: Realists are wary of mutual dependencies in a dangerous world.

Realism vs. Liberalism

• Realism: Sees the world as a dangerous place where perpetual peace is unrealistic.
  • Tragedy and conflict are seen as inevitable.
  • The focus is on choosing the lesser evil to navigate through an evil world.
• Liberalism: Believes in interdependence and promotes democracy and human rights.
  • Sees interdependence as a path to peace.
  • Utopian in their approach to international relations.

Critique of Promoting Democracy

• Realists criticize the promotion of democracy, viewing it as ineffective and leading to quagmires.
• Promotion of democracy often leads to unwelcome interventions.

Realist Perspective on War

• Just War Theory:
  • Liberals: Just wars promote human rights.
  • Realists: Just wars serve national interests and occur in response to threats.

Philosophical Underpinnings

• Realism draws from a Hobbesian view of international politics as a 'war of all against all'.
• The state of nature analogy: No global authority ("no 911") leading to self-reliance.

Conclusion

• Realists advocate living with diversity and managing conflicts through power balance.
• Realism acknowledges the constant threat of war lurking in international politics but does not equate it with constant warfare.