Classical debates in IR Theory Part I: Realism vs.

Idealism
August the 10th 2011

What is a theory?

Some characteristics

Try to explain something Always submitted to the test Have a number of variables that we should observe They have various sinequanons or axioms

In IR Theory:

The world is shaped after some given situations: anarchy Explains why the world behaves like it does Why? So we can expect some sort of outcome or action and then prepare ourselves for the aftermath

Main traits of realism

The

world is anarchic and it is governed by the power and the survival of the fittest states

What does that tell us about human nature?

Purpouse

of existence Derived behaviour

What does that tell us about state nature?

Purpouse

of existence Derived behaviour

Main traits of idealism

The world is anarchic and it is governed by institutions, rules, guidelines and mainly, moral right from wrong War more costly than any gain

Moral terms Economic terms (interdependence)

Human nature: ? State nature:?

Where do they come together

Anarchic

world Need for survival Human greatest need: self preservation Status quo

Where do they come appart?

Anarchic world

Need for survival

Regulated by force Regulated by institutions (formal or informal) Power and resources are limited (zero-sum). Survival lies in maximization. Power and resources are limited but survival lies in cooperation Balance of power achieved through alliances and military power accumulation. Balance of power achieved through attachment to the rule of law

Status quo

Historical background of both currents

Realism

Very old: Tucidides as interpreted by IR theory, Maquiaveli and the separation of good in politics (moral vs. effective)

Idealism
Some say it was, as IR theory, born in the interwar period, however, goes back to 19th century literature (Kant, Jaures) Political manifestation: pacifist movements BUT WAIT, THIS ARE ALL POLITICAL SCIENTIST, OR PHILOSOPHERS, IS THERE A REAL IR THEORY?

The autonomy of IR theory

Can it be considered as a separate discipline?

Byproduct of various disciplines: biology, philosophy, sociology, math, etc. Sets of conditions to be considered autonomous:
Object of study: actors within an international arena (states, enterprises, governments, bureaucracies, leaders, society, individual) According to Zimmern, it was the interdependence result of industrialization

Andreas Osiander: Rereading Early 20th century IR Theory

Main thesis: Crucial difference between Idealism and Realism is in their respective theories of history. Idealism relies in a directional historical process (future). Realism lies in a cyclical historical process (past). Arguments that prove this theory: Kant proposed a process that will make countries more and more interrelated. Zimmern thought that global governing was a process in which states would first start in security communities and would little by little increase their membership. Bull, Morgenthau and Waltz believe in the unchanging nature of states in competition, even as stretching that cooperation will be intermittent and that maximization of power will ultimately be the driving force of the international system. Arguments that disprove this theory Can you think of any?