1. What are the properties of a billiard (or pool or snooker) ball? How do they behave?

2. Realism A key theory of global politics

3. Learning Objectives To explain the basic foundations of the realist approach To interpret how this translates into a realist view of global politics

4. Billiard ball model States are impermeable and self-contained They influence each other by external pressure These ‘collisions’ are linked to military or security matters Assumption that power and survival are key concerns of the state Diplomacy and possibly military action are the principal forms of state interaction

5. Billiard ball model - implications 1.Clear distinction between domestic and international politics – state borders matter 2.Patterns of conflict and cooperation are determined by distribution of power among states – not all the billiard balls are the same size

6. Research task You have 25 minutes to research Realism and prepare a presentation You’ll need to cover: – Key themes: power, states, egoism, anarchy, self-help & survival, balance of power, ethics? – War & peace, security dilemma, arms race, balance of power Additionally, you’ll tell us about a key realist thinker: – Team A = Niccolò Machiavelli – Team B = Thomas Hobbes

7. Presentations

8. Question time Devise 6 questions that can be used to test someone’s understanding of realism and realist thinkers – The questions don’t have to be limited to the presentation you gave

9. Homework Find and summarise a news story that can be explained using realist theory. – Due in Tuesday 24th (250 words)