Introduction to Security & Realism

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?

• A state defines national interest depending on its people's priorities.

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

• Realists see national interest as homologous to regional interests

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

How does realism understand the concept of power?

• Power is based on economic strength.

• Power is a relational concept.

• Power is a relative concept.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is understood by 'survival'? Please select all that apply.

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

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

• The primary objective of all states.

• A precondition for attaining all other goals.

Realists are:

• Advocates of aggressive foreign policy and war.

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

• Concerned with economic development only.

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

What is security?

• Anything to do with threats to survival

• alleviation of threats

• relative freedom from war

• All

What counts as a security issue?

• Religion

• State territory

• Race

• All

Basic shared elements of Realism

• International system is anarchic

• Power as a defining feature

• States as essentially unitary actors

• All

Greedy states are often associated with:

• Structural realism

• Offensive realism

• Motivational realism

• Defensive realism