POLS 2301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Kenneth Waltz, Neoclassical Realism, Hans Morgenthau
2 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
A set of assumptions about the world that: simplify a complex environment, provide an analytical filter/analytical lens. Nb: a paradigm is not a theory: theories can be based on the assumptions of a paradigm. States are dominant actor: rational actors, unitary actors. National interest: hierarchy of issues topped by security. Modern classical realists: edward carr (1892-1982) & hans morgenthau (1904-1980) Reaction to failure of failure of inter-war liberalism. Grounded in objective understanding of human nature. Concepts in realism: security dilemma, relative versus absolute gains. Kenneth waltz: man, state and war (1959, levels of analysis (three images, man, state. Structure of the international system: ordering principle: anarchy, differentiation of units: like units, relative capacity: distribution of power, 1 & 2 are fixed, 3 is a variable. Balancing behavior distributions of power: one-power, current system, us dominance, two-power, cold war, us vs ussr, multi-power, classical european system, uk, germany, france, russia and others. Security/power: relative gains, morality=prudence, society not anarchy.
