Idealism & Realism

Idealism and RealismSens & Stoett, p25

Political idealism after WW I

Believed that human nature was good and that evil arises out of institutions

Also believed that social progress is possible and that situations like war must and can be prevented.

Organization and law can bring peace “Collective security” Woodrow Wilson “14 Points”

Realism: Prevailed after WWII

Key idea is that peace could be maintained through strength & alliances

Military force = “hard power” Ideas, values = “soft power” Realists distrust soft power

Security dilemma [p17-19]

Realists believe sovereign states use force any time if costs outweigh benefits

Force is required for self-defence Because no higher power can protect

States defence preparations look offensive

Conflict spiral ensues

“Stag hunt” allegory [p18]

Rousseau illustrates realist logic on why peace is not attained All want it, but are diverted by self-

interest Defection is likely and peace is lost

Order comes only from agreements and alliances These are followed only when in state’s

interest

Realist view of alliances

Peace is never reached, only balances of power maintained through policy, stability, and self interest.

Alliances are balancing mechanisms and are seen as “marriages of convenience”. 19th Century British PM said “Britain has no friends, only interests.”