CAS IR 271 Lecture 1: Theories Covered in International Relations
16 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
Realism (classical + structural/neo) (interchangeable with statism) lurking in background of all international politics. Views world as a state of nature, every man for himself, danger of war is always. All states compete in a (cid:494)zero-sum(cid:495) game. )ntended to have an equilibrium, but there(cid:495)s a (cid:498)slippage(cid:499) with arms races. X y (cid:523)anarchic system state behavior, this system explains why states act this. Realism (individualistic, looking out for one(cid:495)s country, hard to cooperate(cid:524) - why. No trust: self-help and fear drives states actions. Relative gains are bad: fight for power. Overarching theme of human nature & morality. Anarchical and dangerous because of human nature. The assumption is the fear of cheating. Human nature makes for an endless power struggle for power. Principles must be subordinated to policy-making for state survival. Power and the struggle for it is the organizing principle of global politics. Sometimes you have to choose sub optimal outcomes because they keep us.
