Idealism & Realism

Idealism and Realism Sens & Stoett, p25

Political idealism after WW I Believed that human nature was good and that evil arises out of institutions Also believed that social progress is possible and that situations like war must and can be prevented. Organization and law can bring peace “Collective security” Woodrow Wilson “14 Points” War and conflict are the key problems for both Idealists and Realists. For these theoretical traditions, the central problem facing IR scholars is the occurrence and avoidance of war (how could it be otherwise if we look at history in this manner?). It is useful at this point to remind students that different theoretical traditions look at history in very different ways. Realists and Idealists look at history in terms of patterns of war and peace between states, peoples, and empires. For Realists, history is replete with war regardless of time and space, and great developments in world history are associated with the rise and fall of powerful states and empires.

Realism: Prevailed after WWII Key idea is that peace could be maintained through strength & alliances Military force = “hard power” Ideas, values = “soft power” Realists distrust soft power

Security dilemma [p17-19] Realists believe sovereign states use force any time if costs outweigh benefits Force is required for self-defence Because no higher power can protect States defence preparations look offensive Conflict spiral ensues

“Stag hunt” allegory [p18] Rousseau illustrates realist logic on why peace is not attained All want it, but are diverted by self-interest Defection is likely and peace is lost Order comes only from agreements and alliances These are followed only when in state’s interest

Realist view of alliances Peace is never reached, only balances of power maintained through policy, stability, and self interest. Alliances are balancing mechanisms and are seen as “marriages of convenience”. 19th Century British PM said “Britain has no friends, only interests.”