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Answers and Explanations

Comprehensive Overview of Realism in International Relations

international relations conference

Key Takeaways

  • Realism emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system and the primacy of state survival.
  • Balance of power is a central concept ensuring that no single state becomes too dominant.
  • Realist theories differentiate between offensive and defensive strategies in pursuit of national interests.

Answers and Explanations

Question # Answer Explanation
1 b The international system is anarchic and relies on states' self-help for survival.
2 c Realists prioritize state sovereignty and survival over collective goals.
3 b Balance of power ensures no state becomes overly dominant.
4 b Realism does not prioritize morality in diplomacy.
5 b Security dilemma highlights the unintended consequences of defensive actions.
6 c Neorealism focuses on the structure of the international system.
7 a Power is sought to ensure security in an anarchic system.
8 a Defensive realists emphasize stability through limited power accumulation.
9 c Hans Morgenthau’s Politics Among Nations is foundational in realism.
10 b John Mearsheimer coined "offensive realism."
11 b Thucydides emphasized inevitable power struggles.
12 b Kautilya stressed power maximization in statecraft.
13 a-ii, b-i, c-iii Correct matching of core realist concepts.
14 a-i, b-ii Offensive realism seeks dominance, while defensive realism seeks security.
15 b Morgenthau emphasized politics as a struggle for power.
16 b Hobbes described the state of nature as anarchic and conflict-prone.
17 b Structural realism prioritizes the distribution of power.
18 d Neoclassical realism includes systemic and domestic factors.
19 b Kenneth Waltz developed structural realism and balance of power.
20 c Realism struggles to explain international cooperation.
21 b Constructivism critiques realism for neglecting ideas and norms.
22 a Offensive realism argues states expand to ensure survival through dominance.
23 d Realists explain US withdrawals as sovereignty and distrust of institutions.
24 b Morality is secondary to the survival of the state in Morgenthau’s realism.
25 c Relative gains focus on advantages gained at others’ expense.
26 b World War I exemplifies balance of power failure.
27 a-i, b-ii, c-iii Proper alignment of realist scholars with their concepts.
28 b Realism highlights the UN's limited effectiveness due to state sovereignty.
29 b Defensive realists see it as a response to NATO's expansion, protecting Russia's security.
30 c Highlights power over justice, where might triumphs over moral appeals.
31 d Globalization, climate change, and corporations surpass the traditional state focus.
32 b Security dilemma describes how defensive actions appear threatening to others.
33 a Realism ignores ideas and norms, focusing only on material power.
34 a Feminists argue realism neglects gender and power dynamics.
35 d Realism’s state-centrism and competition ignore cooperative solutions to global issues.
36 b Thucydides identified these motivations in his analysis of power politics.
37 b His pragmatic focus on power aligns with realist principles.
38 b Hobbes’ "war of all against all" mirrors international anarchy.
39 a States prioritize short-term national interests over global cooperation.
40 b States use alliances and counterbalances to maintain stability.

Conclusion

The comprehensive overview of realism in international relations underscores the fundamental principles that govern state behavior in an anarchic international system. By prioritizing state sovereignty, power accumulation, and survival, realism provides a pragmatic lens through which global interactions and conflicts can be analyzed. Understanding the nuances between offensive and defensive realism further elucidates the strategic decisions states make to navigate the complex web of international politics. While realism offers valuable insights, it is essential to consider critiques and alternative theories to gain a holistic understanding of global dynamics.


References


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Last updated January 23, 2025
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