POLS 396 Lecture : Pols 396 Sept 11 week 1 lec 2.docx
12 Sep 2013
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Pols 396 sept 11/2013 week 1 lecture 2. Goals for today: how has realism evolved as a theory, main tenets, how do realists understand cooperation. Realism: starts to develop after wwi (1919-1938, argues that it is a lens ( a way to see the world that tells you what is important and what is not,) We use theories to simplify events: starts with looking at the state, main theory in ir ( everything that comes after is a response to realism, core principles. 1) state as central actor (not the only one, realists acknowledge the existence of others but the state is the one that matters-has primacy) 2) anarchy (no chaos, it is the idea that there is no one above the state capable of preventing violence. ) So if the state wants to go to war there is no one who can prevent the state from doing so. States have to maximize their power through force of treaties. )
