PHI363
Lecture 5
1/31/12
Introduction to Classical Realism
1.
Realism- the things we have discussed –(i) into to morality; (ii) intro to realism; and
(iii) intro to the state and the international state system.
2.
Reminder about realism- descriptive (a theory about the way the world works): (i)
states are the most important actors of international politics (not MNC’s or NGO’s
etc); (ii) states inhabit an anarchic world and must rely on their own self-help; (iii)
states face a security dilemma- Their defense is perceived by others as offense, and
(iv) states employ a balance of power to protect themselves from others.
3.
Realism as a prescriptive doctrine – states ought to pursue their own self-interest.
a.
You make yourself safer by increasing your power, however, then your
neighbors increase their power because they now see you as a threat.
b.
Must compete with enemies with finding allies
4.
Egypt and Israel – Lockerbie and Drones
5.
Thucydides (c.460 BC – c. 395 BCE). An Athenian who wrote the Peloponnesian
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- Spring '12
- DavidMorgan
- Ethics , Peloponnesian War, The Prince, Melian dialogue, Athenian power
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