Theories of IR

Emphasises the constraints on politics that result from humankind's egoistic nature and the absence of a central authority above the state.

• Constructivism

• Marxism

• Realism

• Liberalism

• Mercantilism

Which statemenship has realism formulated in early modern Europe

• realpolitik

• geopolitik

• kapitalpolitik

• econopolitik

which political theory posits that conflict among actors pursuing wealth and power is always present and necessary in the world of politics

• realism

• kapitalpolitik

• marxism

• constructivism

• liberalism

what are the 3 s's of realism?

• survival

• statism

• self-help

• sufficiency

• structural formation

what do realists identify the international politics system to be?

• anarchic

• disorganised

• singularistic

• hierarchal

• powerful

Answer explanation

The international system is anarchic, as there is no supranational authority to enforce rules.

- no actor exists above states, capable of regulating their interactions, states must arrive at relations with other states on their own, rather than it being dictated to them by some higher controlling entity

- international system exists in a state of constant antagonism

Seeks to change things in international politics

• status quo state

• revisionist state

• revolutionary state

• static state

Which of these people is associated with classical realism?

• bull

• morgenthau

• waltz

• buzan

Answer explanation

- international politics as struggle for power

- human nature & politics

- state centrism

- national interest

- balance of power

- realpolitik

- morality and politics: separation of ethics from politics

- critique of utopianism

which of these are common beliefs of both classical realism and neorealism?

• based on empirical theory

• explanation based on human nature

• states as rational actors pursuing national interests

• explanation based on the international system

• the notion that the distribution of power determines outcomes

Answer explanation

Another common belief of both branches of theory is that the state is the principal actor of global politics.

classical realism:

- explanation based on human nature

- historical and philosophical basis

- power (main focus on military force)

neorealism:

- explanation based on international system

- Ahistorical and scientific

- security

which theory was developed as a response to the liberal perspective that dominated IR theory pre-WW2?

• idealism

• neorealism

• constructivism

• anarchism

• post-structuralism

a system where states must rely on their own capabilities to ensure their survival and security in the absence of a global authority

• idealist system

• self-help system

• anarchic system

• domestic reliance system

• rational assistance system