Chapter 08

What is the Realist image of the state?

• The state is the most important actor of international politics and sovereignty is its distinguishing trait.

• The state will always seek to ensure its survival in a perilous international environment.

• The state behaves morally and in accordance to what its population's values are.

• The state is the most important actor of international politics, sovereignty is its distinguishing trait and the state will always seek to ensure its survival in a perilous international environment.

How is "the national interest" defined/determined by Realists?

• States define national interest depending on its people's priorities.

• National interest is determined by its degree of economic profitability.

• Realists see national interest as homologous to regional interests

• States prioritize national interests insofar as they guarantee the state's survival.

How does Realism understand the concept of power?

• Power is a relational concept and power is a relative concept.

• Power is a relative concept.

• Power is a relational concept.

• Power is based on economic and military strength.

How important is the security dilemma for realist understandings of world politics?

• Very important, as it determines if balance of power emerges naturally or must be constructed.

• Very important because it determines how, or if, a balance of power emerges and it determines if balance of power emerges naturally or must be constructed.

• Very important, as it determines how, or if, a balance of power emerges.

• Important, but not crucial to realist understandings of world politics.

What is the "ethic of responsibility" and how does it relate to world politics?

• It is the responsibility realists have towards the world; their obligation to recount, in an objective manner, a more realistic scene of world politics.

• It marks the limits of ethics in international relations; this results in decision-makers weighing up consequences and sometimes expecting positive outcomes of amoral actions.

• It is a vow politicians take, which requires them to take responsibility for the ethics of their international actions.

• None of the options given are correct.

"Liberal states do not go to war with one another". What might be the main realist critique of this statement?

• Realists claim that periods of peace are just a preparation for future wars.

• Offensive realists argue that states continuously strive for more powerful positions within the international structure, which often includes fighting wars.

• Rather than emphasizing ideational reasons for why democratic states do not engage in war with one another, realists would stress that states choose not to for their own material self-interests

• All of the above options are correct.

What is NOT understood by "survival"?

• It is the supreme national interest to which all political leaders must adhere.

• The primary objective of all states.

• The need to provide shelter, nutrition and education in a state.

• A precondition for attaining civil society and therefore all other (moral) goals.

Realists are:

• Advocates of aggressive foreign policy and war.

• Afraid terrorism will make the world a less secure place.

• Supporters of war when it is necessary to further a rational understanding of the national interest.

• Concerned with economic development only.

What is the state of war?

• The conditions when there is no actual conflict but a permanent underlying tension among states that could become a "real" war at any time.

• A situation in which several or neighbouring states are at war.

• A state that is aggressive and always building up its military.

• None of the options given are correct.

Which of the following is NOT a reason for us to have to think that the 21st century will be a realist century?

• Human rights assumptions are increasingly seen as a Western agenda backed by economic dollars and military divisions.

• Humanitarian interventions are increasingly viewed as a means for powerful states to secure their own self-interests, veiled behind a liberal discourse.

• Africa is still plagued by civil conflict.

• Despite the European Union, Europe continues to be as divided by national interests as ever.