POLI 244 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: John Mearsheimer, Offensive Realism, Kenneth Waltz
5 Dec 2017
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Document Summary
Has been dominant from after ww2 until the 70s. A conviction that international relations are necessarily conflictual and that these conflicts are ultimately resolved by war (anarchic system) A high regard for the values of national security and state survival. A basic skepticism that there can be progress in international relations, the anarchy can"t be overcome (continuity and repetition) States are viewed as self-interested, rational and power-seeking. To prevent war, the only thing that can be done is to countervail power and the deter potential aggressors. There is a strong focus on the state, which is seen as the protector of his territory. The international system is considered to have a hierarchy in power. Justice is only about knowing one"s place in the world. Power and deception are essential means of foreign policy. Rulers should always be cautious and seek to take advantage in every situation; pre-emptive war is necessary. The world is dangerous and everybody is on their own.
