Realism defined
Before this blog can get really interesting in discussing current events in US foreign policy and the world, I think that it is first appropriate to give an overview of each of the main theories of international relations (IR). After this is completed, then one can make posts like "a neorealist perspective of the WTO" or "constructivist perspectives on democracy" that can put these theories into practice and be of more use to the reader than merely one blogger's random opinions.
The title of this blog itself comes from a theoretical concept that belongs to the IR school of thought known as "realism."
The key variable of realism is power, conceptualized as a "balance of power" in 1948 by Hans Morgenthau in his book, Politics Among Nations.
In this book, states are described as unitary rational actors competing for survival in an international environment that is characterized by anarchy and self-help. There is no rulebook, no "fair," and no higher authority that can constrain state behavior in this competition.
However, as states seek to maximize their gains and minimize their losses, a certain balance is produced because the international system is filled with states all performing this exact same cost/benefit analysis.
According to Morgenthau's conception of this "balance of power," states maintain a kind of equilibrium between each other, changing sides whenever necessary and with no enmity between past or future allies. This is a mechanistic conception that remains unrefined in Politics Among Nations – it is unclear if Morgenthau sees this as an ideal outcome or a natural one, an equilibrium or a source of disequilibrium, a foreign policy prescription or a proscription.
Realist theory can cite as supporting evidence the fact that there has never been a single nation-state that has risen to preeminent power and held this dominant position indefinitely. A hegemon is quickly balanced against and overcome through competition with other states.
Neorealism and alliance theories follow from the realist groundwork laid down by Morgenthau in 1948. The realist/neorealist IR traditions oppose the neoliberalist tradition, which will be defined and discussed in my next posting.
The title of this blog itself comes from a theoretical concept that belongs to the IR school of thought known as "realism."
The key variable of realism is power, conceptualized as a "balance of power" in 1948 by Hans Morgenthau in his book, Politics Among Nations.
In this book, states are described as unitary rational actors competing for survival in an international environment that is characterized by anarchy and self-help. There is no rulebook, no "fair," and no higher authority that can constrain state behavior in this competition.
However, as states seek to maximize their gains and minimize their losses, a certain balance is produced because the international system is filled with states all performing this exact same cost/benefit analysis.
According to Morgenthau's conception of this "balance of power," states maintain a kind of equilibrium between each other, changing sides whenever necessary and with no enmity between past or future allies. This is a mechanistic conception that remains unrefined in Politics Among Nations – it is unclear if Morgenthau sees this as an ideal outcome or a natural one, an equilibrium or a source of disequilibrium, a foreign policy prescription or a proscription.
Realist theory can cite as supporting evidence the fact that there has never been a single nation-state that has risen to preeminent power and held this dominant position indefinitely. A hegemon is quickly balanced against and overcome through competition with other states.
Neorealism and alliance theories follow from the realist groundwork laid down by Morgenthau in 1948. The realist/neorealist IR traditions oppose the neoliberalist tradition, which will be defined and discussed in my next posting.
posted by machiavelli at 1:00 PM
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