PLS 341: American Foreign Policy Theories in IR The Several Realisms

2 / 8 Realisms There are no fewer than four main types of Realism They all share four basic assumptions: –The International System is anarchical –Sovereign states are the principal actors in the international system –States are rational actors, acting in their national interest –The overriding goal of each state is its own security and survival

3 / 8 Several of the Realisms The four main types are: –Classical Realism –Liberal Realism –Structural Realism –Neoclassical Realism Minor types include: –Offensive Realism –Defensive Realism –…

4 / 8 Classical Realism Known as Realism before World War II Focuses on human nature as an explanation for how states acted Why?

5 / 8 Structural Realism Also known as Neo-Realism Created as an update to Classical Realism, designed to tweak its weaknesses without giving up its fundamental assumptions Structural constraints predict state action better than ‘human nature’ constraints

6 / 8 Neoclassical Realism Combination of Classical Realism and Neo-Realism (Structural Realism) Used to explain foreign policy decisions Used to explain missed predictions with Structural Realism Perception of one’s place in the system is the important intervening variable

7 / 8 Liberal Realism Also known as the English School Focuses on the existence of a ‘society of states’, which creates: –mutual expectations –common behavior It also creates bounds on state behavior

8 / 8 Assignment Continue studying the news