Lecture 3: Realist Theory of IR

Summary of last class points Three levels of causation: deep/system, intermediate/state, proximate/individuals Applying levels to Peloponnesian War case Two meanings of power: resources/influence

Outline Preparing for quizzes Prisoners Dilemma exercise - prepare Case 1: Canvas Links: do readings, select cases, use chart Takeaways for today’s class Understanding causes of war (last class) Understanding power (this class) Structure for comparing theories – 6 tenets Content of realism

Two meanings of power Control of resources: Influence over outcomes: Tangible and intangible resources provide potential to wield influence Influence over outcomes: Ability of one nation to make another nation do things they would not otherwise do.

Two aspects of power Relational Situational "Power over whom?" Whether state has power depends on comparison to another state Situational "Power to do what?“ Whether state has power depends on what “powerful” state wants “weak” state to do

Paradox of unrealized power The paradox: sometimes powerful states are not powerful States with lots of resources (1st sense) can … fail to wield influence over others (2nd sense) Usually, there is no paradox (21 of 30 wars won by country with larger military

Realism and its 6 tenets Focus Actors Goals Means Organizing Principle Dynamics

Realism Institutionalism Disenfranchised Focus – what is being explained? Conflict Actors – who are considered the main actors to watch? Goals – what are the goals of the main actors? Means – what means do actors use to achieve their goals? Organizing Principles – how is the international system organized? Dynamics – what does process of international relations look like?

Realism Institutionalism Disenfranchised Focus – what is being explained? Conflict Actors – who are considered the main actors to watch? States are primary and act as unitary rational actors Goals – what are the goals of the main actors? Means – what means do actors use to achieve their goals? Organizing Principles – how is the international system organized? Dynamics – what does process of international relations look like?

Realism Institutionalism Disenfranchised Focus – what is being explained? Conflict Actors – who are considered the main actors to watch? States are primary and act as unitary rational actors Goals – what are the goals of the main actors? Survival, security, and hence, power Means – what means do actors use to achieve their goals? Organizing Principles – how is the international system organized? Dynamics – what does process of international relations look like?

Realism Institutionalism Disenfranchised Focus – what is being explained? Conflict Actors – who are considered the main actors to watch? States are primary and act as unitary rational actors Goals – what are the goals of the main actors? Survival, security, and hence, power Means – what means do actors use to achieve their goals? Military force is usable, effective, and fungible Organizing Principles – how is the international system organized? Dynamics – what does process of international relations look like?

Realism Institutionalism Disenfranchised Focus – what is being explained? Conflict Actors – who are considered the main actors to watch? States are primary and act as unitary rational actors Goals – what are the goals of the main actors? Survival, security, and hence, power Means – what means do actors use to achieve their goals? Military force is usable, effective, and fungible Organizing Principles – how is the international system organized? Anarchy and self-help Dynamics – what does process of international relations look like?

Realism Institutionalism Disenfranchised Focus – what is being explained? Conflict Actors – who are considered the main actors to watch? States are primary and act as unitary rational actors Goals – what are the goals of the main actors? Survival, security, and hence, power Means – what means do actors use to achieve their goals? Military force is usable, effective, and fungible Organizing Principles – how is the international system organized? Anarchy and self-help Dynamics – what does process of international relations look like? Acquisition and balancing of power