Realism in International Relations

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 understandings 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 balance of power emerges naturally or must be constructed.

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

• It is the responsibility realists have towards the world; this creates a more realistic scene in 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.

If liberal states don't go to war with one another, how does this undermine realism?

• Because this would challenge the realist claim that periods of peace are just a preparation for future wars.

• It does not undermine realism, since realism predicts they will not go to war with one another.

• Because it would challenge the principle of self-help, by which the structure of the system does not permit friendship, trust, and honour.

• Because it would challenge the principle of self-help AND because it would challenge the realist claim that periods of peace are just a preparation for future wars.

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 terrorism will make the world a less secure place.

What is the state of war?

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

• The conditions when there is no actual conflict but a permanent cold war that could become a 'real' war at any time.

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

• None of the options given are correct.

What reasons do we have to think that the twenty-first century will be a realist century? Please select all that apply.

• Africa is still plagued by civil conflict.

• Europe continues to be as divided by national interests.

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