Unit 2: Realism (II), Apuntes de Relaciones Internacionales

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HISTORY AND THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

2. Realism (II):

Neorealism or Structural Realism

Dr. Javier Morales [email protected]

Contents 2.3. Structural Realism 2.4. The Concept of Anarchy 2.5. The Structure of the International System What are realists debating nowadays? 2 .6. The Offensive-Defensive Debate 2 .7. “Soft” and “Smart” Power 2 .8. Neoclassical Realism 2 .9. Case Study: The Iraq War

2 .3. Structural Realism

• Kenneth N. WALTZ (1924-)
• Professor of Political Science at Berkeley, Columbia…
• His book Theory of International Politics (1979) has been one of the most influential in IR history.

2 .4. The Concept of Anarchy

• WALTZ believes that competition in international politics is not a result of human nature, but anarchy : - The international system is anarchic because there is no overarching authority above states (domestic political systems are hierarchical Æ government /citizens) - Level of analysis : the international system (not individuals or states)

2 .4. The Concept of Anarchy The world does not look like THIS (international order with someone/something keeping states in the “right” place)

2 .4. The Concept of Anarchy … but like THIS (anarchy: states acting independently and clashing with each other, because there is no real authority or “world government” above them)

2 .5. The Structure of the International System

• There are three elements in the structure of the international system: - Organizing principle: Anarchy. - Differentiation of units: All states behave as similar units (rational actors trying to survive) irrespective of their culture, political regime, etc. - Distribution of capabilities among states Æ this is what explains international outcomes: war, peace, etc.

2 .5. The Structure of the International System

• Power is based on material capabilities (esp. military): - The international system is unipolar / bipolar / multipolar according to the relative distribution of power. - A state’s foreign policy is a function of its relative power (=degree of power relative to other states). Example: The Cold War was a result of the existence of two superpowers (bipolarity led to confrontation)

Summary

• Structural realism / neorealism explains IR using the concepts of anarchy and structure of the international system.
• It assumes that all states are rational actors that use power as a means for survival.
• Variations in foreign policies are a result of changes in the relative distribution of power among states.

Main actors Level of analysis Ideas Classical Realism (1940s-1970s) MORGENTHAU Structural Realism or Neorealism (1970s-...) WALTZ

Main actors Level of analysis Ideas Classical Realism (1940s-1970s) MORGENTHAU States Structural Realism or Neorealism (1970s-...) WALTZ States

Main actors Level of analysis Ideas Classical Realism (1940s-1970s) MORGENTHAU States Individuals (decision- makers) Structural Realism or Neorealism (1970s-...) WALTZ States

Main actors Level of analysis Ideas Classical Realism (1940s-1970s) MORGENTHAU States Individuals (decision- makers)

• Human nature is selfish and ambitious Æ intl. competition.
• States define their national interest in terms of power (not morality, etc.).
• Problems: balance of power; security dilemmas. Structural Realism or Neorealism (1970s-...) WALTZ States Intl. system (anarchic structure; distribution of power among states)

Main actors Level of analysis Ideas Classical Realism (1940s-1970s) MORGENTHAU States Individuals (decision- makers)

• Human nature is selfish and ambitious Æ intl. competition.
• States define their national interest in terms of power (not morality, etc.).
• Problems: balance of power; security dilemmas. Structural Realism or Neorealism (1970s-...) WALTZ States Intl. system (anarchic structure; distribution of power among states)
• All states are rational and similar units that live in a “self- help” world (anarchy).
• Power is not an end: states seek power to survive (maximizing their security).
• Problems: how much power is enough? (offensive realism vs. defensive realism)