Discussion

What are some of the basic tenets of realism in international relations?

What is power in international relations and why is this conception of power, and is this a useful concept for understanding international relations?

Responses

RE: Intro Questions

Realism, which is also known as political realism, is a view of international politics that stresses its competitive and conflict side. It's usually contrasted with idealism or liberalism which tends to emphasize cooperation.

Realists consider the principal actors in the international arena to be states, which are concerned with their own security, act in pursuit of their own national interests, and struggle for power.

The negative side of the realists emphasis on power and self-interest is often their skepticism regarding the relevance of ethical norms to relations among states. National politics is the realm of authority and law, whereas international politics, they sometimes claim is a "sphere without justice, characterized by active or potential conflict among states."

RE: Intro Questions

Power in international relations is the ability to influence states and maintain hegemony in a world of actor self-interest. Realist international policy is one of military and economic domination in a competitive system. The concept of realism does not, in my opinion, align well with globalization as it assumes all other actors have hostile intent(in a very interconnected global system).

RE: Intro Questions

Power is international relations is the ability to get people on board with the ruler ideas whether they like it or not. I believe power is useful for understanding international relations because power in the U.S. is different than the power in foreign lands. Realism stresses the competitive and conflict side just like Sarah had mentioned.

RE: Intro Questions

Realism is the belief that politics and international relations are completely and unarguably necessary. The power in international relations lies in things like trade relations and allies. It is heavily dependent on the ability of one nation to influence the other. I'm sure that some countries would say that they find power in international relations and some nations would say that they suffer from it. I believe that the power is quantified as either a lack of power or an influx of power.

In this discussion week, there is one "Intro Question" and four responses to that single question.

You may respond directly to the intro question taking into account what others have written in their replies (So you don't write exactly what they wrote). Or, you can disagree/agree/refute/clarify one of the responses.