The first Great Debatebetween Idealism and Realism

Grand Theories of International Relations

In its effort to find answers to extra-scientific political and societal crises and problems, the science of International Relations, over time, has produced a number of different Grand Theories of international politics, which try to grasp its subject matter and phenomena on the basis of

different perspectives of perception/interpretation different sets of questions different anthropological different normative and ethical and different methodological predispositions and

presuppositions

Grand Theories of I.R. II

• Grand Theories differ in view of their ontological assumptions, i.e. those assumptions referring to the nature of their research objects.

• Grand Theories formulate different premisses and assumptions regarding

the international milieu, i.e. the characteristic outlook, quality, and structure of the environment in which international actors act

the quality, character, and substance of international actors themselves

actors‘ aims and interests and the means which actors, as a rule, use in the fulfillment of their aims and interests.

Grand Theories and World Views

• Each and every Grand Theory formulates a characteristic world view of International Relations: Grand Theories and their world views compete with each other without offering science a possibility to decide which of the Grand Theories is the (only) correct representation of international reality.

• If it would want to decide this question, science would need an Archemedian point over and beyond the competition of the Grand Theories, which would enable it to establish firm criterias for deciding on the truth or falseness of those premisses on which Grand Theories base their ontological edifice.

• This Archemedian point is nowhere in sight !!

Grand Theory Actor Milieu Structural Principle

Realism

Nation

State

World of states as an-archic

state of nature

Vertical segmentation, unlimited zero-sum game for

power, influence, ressources

English

School or Rationalism

World of states as legally

constituted society

Vertical Segmentation, zero-sum game

regulated by norm and agreement

Idealism Individual

World society as society of

individuals and their

associations

Universalistic

constitution

Grand Theories of International Relations

Grand Theories of International Relations II

Grand Theory Actor Milieu Structural Principle

Interdependency-oriented

Globalism

Individual or societal actors

Transnational society

Functional border-crossing

networks

Theories of Imperialism

Individual or societal actors representing

class interests

International class society

Border-crossing horizontal layering

Dependency oriented

Globalism: Dependency Theories and

Theories of the Capitalist world

system

Societal and national actors representing

class interests

World system of Capitalism as

layering of metropoles and

peripheries

Horizontal layering of national actors in the world system;

structural dependence of peripheries on

metropoles; structural

heterogenity of peripheries

IGOIGO

INGOINGO

= government

= society

= foreign or international societal interactions = foreign or international political interactions

Society C

State C

Society A

State A State B

Society B

The traditional concept of international politics: States as international gatekeepers

The traditional concept of international politics: States as international gatekeepers

LOOKING AT THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM FROM A RECENT INTERNATIONAL

RELATIONS PERSPECTIVE

LOOKING AT THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM FROM A RECENT INTERNATIONAL

RELATIONS PERSPECTIVE

For some time already, the analysis of International Relations is characterised

by a change in perspective

- away from the state as a unitary actor acting as a gatekeeper between the

domestic and international policy areas

- up, down, and sideways to supra-state, sub-state, and non-state actors.

For some time already, the analysis of International Relations is characterised

by a change in perspective

- away from the state as a unitary actor acting as a gatekeeper between the

domestic and international policy areas

- up, down, and sideways to supra-state, sub-state, and non-state actors.

From the society of states, our focus of attention has consequently

shifted to transnational and transgovernmental societies which take the

form of boundary-crossing networks amongst individuals and non-

governmental organisations (NGOs).

From the society of states, our focus of attention has consequently

shifted to transnational and transgovernmental societies which take the

form of boundary-crossing networks amongst individuals and non-

governmental organisations (NGOs).

Cobweb model of international Relations

Transnational Society (of Actors)

Society

A

Government

Society

B

Government

Society

C

Government

National Actor

Transnational Society

Transnational Politics

Society

B

Government

Society

C

Government

Society

A

Government

Political Realism

• Realism, also known as political realism (in order to distinguish it from philosophical Realism), encompasses a variety of theories and approaches, all of which share a belief that states are primarily motivated by the desire for military and economic power or security, rather than ideals or ethics. This term is often synonymous with power politics.

What is Realism• The term "Realism" is used with such frequency that

it appears to defy the need for definition - all that needs to be known about the concept seems to be encapsulated in the word. Yet closer examination uncovers a great deal of variation. Each of the principal Realist theorists - Carr, Morgenthau and Waltz - offer their own definitions, and often focus on the aspects they wish to emphasise.

• Divisions of opinion exist between the classical (or traditional) Realists and the structural Realists (neorealists); and within these broad groupings there are further variations and shades of opinion. All share a large part of a common body of thought, but many have particular aspects on which they differ. Too precise a definition excludes some individuals; too broad a description loses some common threads of thought.

What is Realism II• Of the threads that make up the Realist school, the most

important ideas include: • International relations are subject to objective study. Events can

be described in terms of laws, in much the same way that a phenomenon in the sciences might be described. These laws remain true at all places and times.

• The state is the most important actor of internaqtional politics. At different times in history the state may be represented by the tribe, city-state, empire, kingdom or nation-state. Implicit in this is that supra-national structures, sub-national ones and individuals are of lesser analytical importance. Thus the United Nations, Shell, the Papacy, political parties, interest groups, etc, are all relatively unimportant to the Realist.

• The first corollary is that the international system shows a structure of anarchy, with no common sovereign.

• A second corollary is that the state is a unitary actor. The state acts in a consistent way, without any sign of split purposes.

• Further, state behaviour is rational - or can best be approxi-mated by rational decision-making. States act as though they logically assess the costs and benefits of each course open to them and then optimize/maximize their gains.

.

What is Realism II contd.

• States act to maximise either their security or power. The distinction here often proves moot as the optimum method to guarantee one‘s security is frequently equated with maximising one‘s power.

• States often rely on the threat of or application of force to achieve their ends.

• The most important factor in determining what happens in international relations is the distribution of power between international actors.

• Ethical considerations are usually discounted. Universal moral values are difficult to define, and unachievable without both survival and power.

Literaturtipp

Classical Authors of International Relations

• Hedley Bull: The Anarchical Society. A Study of Order in World Politics. 3. Aufl.Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan 2002

• Edward Hallett Carr: The Twenty Years’ Crisis 1919 – 1939. An Introduction to the Study of International Relations. 2.Aufl. London: Macmillan 1974

• Hans J. Morgenthau: Politics Among Nations. New York:Alfred A.Knopf 1960• Edward L.Morse: Modernization and the Transformation of International

Relations. New York: Free Press 1976• Kenneth N. Waltz: Man, the state and war. A theoretical analysis. New York:

Columbia UP 1959• Adam Watson: The Evolution of International Society. A comparative

historical analysis. London: Routledge 1992• Martin Wight: International Theory. The three traditions, ed. Gabriele Wight &

Brian Porter. Leicester: Leicester U.P. 1991

Realism: More Characteristics

• The international system is anarchic. There is no authority 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.

• Sovereign states are the principal actors in the international system. International institutions, non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, individuals and other sub-state or trans-state actors are viewed as having little independent influence.

• States are rational unitary actors each moving towards their own national interest. There is a general distrust of long-term cooperation or alliance.

Realism: Still more Characteristics

• The overriding 'national interest' of each state is its national security and survival.

• In pursuit of national security, states strive to amass resources.

• Relations between states are determined by their comparative level of power derived primarily from their military and economic capabilities.

• There are no universal principles which all states can use to guide their actions. Instead, a state must be ever aware of the actions of the states around it and must use a pragmatic approach to resolve the problems that arise.

Realism – yet more…

• To sum up, realists believe that mankind is not inherently benevolent but rather self-centered and competitive. This Hobbesian perspective, which views human nature as selfish and conflictual, leads to a state of nature which can only be overcome by a social contract on the societal level. Thus estab-lishing a Leviathan on the state level, the state of nature is freed to move up the ladder of analysis to the level of the international system.

• Further, they believe that states are inherently aggressive (offensive realism) and/or obsessed with security (defensive realism); and that territorial expansion is only constrained by opposing power(s). This aggressive build-up, however, leads to a security dilemma where increasing one's own security can bring along greater instability as the opponent(s) build up their own arms. Thus, international and/or security politics is a zero-sum game where an increase in one party‘s security means a loss for the security of others.

Die Struktur des Sicherheitsdilemma-Theorems

Anarchisches internationales Selbsthilfesystem

Unsicherheit des einzelnen Akteurs Unsicherheit des einzelnen Akteurs

Sicherheit begriffen als militärische Überlegenheit

Militärischer Schutz durch Rüstung

A rüstetB fühlt sich bedroht

B rüstet marginal stärker als AA fühlt sich bedroht

A rüstet marginal stärker als B B fühlt sich bedroht

usw.

Was ist das Sicherheitsdilemma ?Definition nach Herz 1961

Das Sicherheits- oder Machtdilemma ist „…diejenigeSozialkonstellation, die sich ergibt, wenn (a) Machteinheiten (wie z.B. Staaten und Nationen in

ihren außenpolitischen Beziehungen) nebeneinander bestehen,

(b) ohne Normen unterworfen zu sein, (c) die von einer höheren Stelle gesetzt wären und sie

hindern würden, sich gegenseitig anzugreifen. In einem derartigen Zustand treibt ein aus gegenseitiger

Furcht und gegenseitigem Misstrauen geborenes Unsicherheitsgefühl die Einheiten in einem Wettstreit um Macht dazu, ihrer Sicherheit halber immer mehr Macht anzuhäufen, ein Streben, das unerfüllbar bleibt, weil sich vollkommene Sicherheit nie erreichen läßt.“ (Herz 1961: 130f.)

Literaturtip

John H.Herz: Weltpolitik im Atomzeitalter. Stuttgart 1961.

John H.Herz: Staatenwelt und Weltpolitik. Aufsätze zur inter-nationalen Politik im Nuklearzeit-alter. Hamburg 1974.

The Birth of Realism: Morgenthau

• In the immediate aftermath of the Second World War, Hans J. Morgenthau was credited with having systematised classical Realism. His Politics Among Nations became the standard textbook, and continued to be reprinted after his death.

• Morgenthau starts with the claim that he is presenting a "theory of international politics". He sees his theory bringing "order and meaning" to the mass of facts of international politics. It both explains the observed phenomena and is logically consistent, based on fixed premisses. Like Carr, he sees this Realism as a contrast to liberal idealism.

The Birth of Realism: Morgenthau II

Morgenthau’s theory is based on six principles he enumerates in his first chapter. In summary, these principles are:

• 1. Politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature which is unchanging: therefore it is possi-ble to develop a rational theory that reflects these objective laws.

• 2. The main signpost of political realism is the concept of interest defined in terms of power which infuses rational order into the subject matter of politics, and thus makes the theoretical under-standing of politics possible. Political realism stresses the rational, objective and unemotional.

• 3. Realism assumes that interest defined as power is an objective category which is universally valid but not with a meaning that is fixed once and for all. Power is the control of man over man.

The Birth of Realism: Morgenthau III• 4. Political realism is aware of the moral signifigance

of political action. it is also aware of the tension between moral command and the requirements of successful political action.

• 5. Political realism refuses to identify the moral aspirations of a particular nation with the moral laws that govern the universe. It is the concept of interest defined in terms of power that saves us from moral excess and political folly.

• 6. The political realist maintains the autonomy of the political sphere. He asks "How does this policy affect the power of the nation?" Political realism is based on a pluralistic conception of human nature. A man who is nothing but "political man" would be a beast, for he would be completely lacking in moral restraints. But, in order to develop an autonomous theory of political behavior, "political man" must be abstracted from other aspects of human nature.

Literaturtipp

• E.H.Carr: The 20 Years‘ Crisis 1919 – 1939. An Introduction to the Study of International Relations. 2nd ed. London: Macmillan 1974 u.ö.

• Kenneth N. Waltz: Man, the State and War. A theoretical analysis. New York: Columbia UP 1959

• John A. Vasquez: The Power of Power Politics. From Classical Realism to Neotraditionalism. Cambridge: Cambridge UP 1998

Kennlinien des klassischen Realismus

Historischer Hintergrund:

Radizierung von Herrschaft

Genese der friedens- und sicherheitsstiftenden Funktion des Territorialstaats

Trennung von Innen und Aussen

Entstehung des europäischen Staatensystems seit 1648/1713

Ideengeschichtliche Quellen:

Machiavelli

Hobbes

Idealtypisch-metaphorische Charakteristika der internationalen Politik

Entwicklung des Staatsräsongedankes als legitimatorischer Bezugspunkt für die Selbstbehauptung des modernen Territorialstaats.

Überwindung des innergesellschaftlichen Naturzustands durch die gesellschaftsvertragliche Begründung des Leviathan;

Legitimation von Herrschaft als Garant einer territorial abgegrenzten sicherheitsgemeinschaftlichen Schutzzone: Basis der Souveränitätsanspruchs; Freisetzung des Naturzustands-Konzepts zur Charakterisierung der Beziehung zwischen solchen Schutzzonen (d.h. souveränen Staaten)

Idealtypisch-metaphorische Charakteristika der internationalen Politik

Systemebene

anarchische Struktur

Sicherheitsdilemma: Erhöhung der eigenen Sicherheit durch Stärkung militärischer Fähigkeiten verringert die Sicherheit anderer; Folge: spiralenförmiger Rüstungswettlauf

Gleichgewicht der Mächte durch Abschreckung

Internationale Politik als Nullsummenspiel staatlicher Akteure um Macht, Ressourcen, Einfluss

Akteursebene

exklusiver Handlungsanspruch der Akteure im Bereich der „high politics“

Territorialität: Schutzfunktion der harten Schale

zweckrationales, nutzenmaximierendes /nutzen-optimierendes Handeln

Prinzip der (notfalls militärischen) Selbsthilfe bei der Durchsetzung von Interessen

Literaturtipp

• Robert G. Wesson: State Systems. International Pluralism, Politics, and Culture. New York: Free Press 1978

• Hedley Bull: The Anarchical Society. A Study of Order in World Politics. 3.Aufl. Basingstoke: Palgrave 2002

• Barry Buzan/Richard Little: International Systems in World History. Oxford: OUP 2000

• Heinz Duchhardt/Franz Knipping (Hrsg.): Handbuch der Geschichte der Internationalen Beziehungen in 9 Bänden. Paderborn: Ferdinand Schöningh 1997ff

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