Realism is a theory of global politics which argues that states see the world as it is rather than as people hope it to be, treating states as the most significant actors and power as the most significant concept.

What do realists argue is the primary goal of every state?

Realists argue that the primary goal of every state is its own needs and, ultimately, its survival .

Define the balance of power .

The balance of power is the realist idea that a stable world order is best maintained when power between states is balanced , as in a multipolar or bi-polar system.

In a world, such as the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the USA, two states each keep up with the other in power capability.

In a bi-polar world, such as the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the USA, two states each keep up with the other in power capability.

What do offensive realists argue is the ultimate goal of states, rather than balance?

Offensive realists argue that the ultimate goal of states is to achieve hegemonic power rather than balance, a view advanced by John Mearsheimer.

Define international anarchy .

International anarchy is a system in which there is no higher power than the state , so every state must depend on itself for survival.

True or False? Realists believe that conflict between states can ultimately be avoided.

False. Realists view conflict as inevitable , as the constant competition for power eventually leads to conflict.

Define the billiard ball model .

The billiard ball model explains global politics by treating states as separate, independent units in an anarchic system, each with a hard shell of sovereignty .

What type of 'game' do realists argue is at play in the anarchic international system?

Realists argue a zero sum game is at play, where one state's gain is another state's loss.

Define the security dilemma .

The security dilemma is the idea that actions a state takes to increase its own security can unintentionally make other states feel less secure, leading to rising tension and conflict.

How does Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine illustrate the security dilemma?

It illustrates the spiral model : NATO's eastward expansion was defensive, but Russia interpreted it as a threat, so each side's attempts to increase security reduced overall security and escalated into war.

Liberalism is an ideology that emphasises individual freedom , limited government, and the protection of civil liberties and rights.

According to liberalism, which actor in global politics is the most powerful?

Liberals argue that the most powerful actor is the state , whose duty is to protect its people, though IGOs, NGOs and MNCs also play an important role.

True or False? Liberalism holds a pessimistic view of human nature.

False. Liberalism has an essentially optimistic worldview, viewing human beings as good if they are treated well.

Why do liberals argue that democratic states are more peaceful?

Liberals argue that democratic states are more peaceful because it is ordinary people who suffer most in conflict, and they will not choose a pathway to conflict.

Define complex interdependence .

Complex interdependence is the liberal view of global politics as a complex web of interdependence between actors and stakeholders, producing a peaceful and prosperous planet.

Liberals argue that free trade lets each country specialise, so that war becomes even more and complicated.

Liberals argue that free trade lets each country specialise, so that war becomes even more costly and complicated.

Why do liberals argue that states cannot desirably isolate themselves from the world?

Liberals argue that isolation is neither possible nor desirable, because states that cut themselves off, such as North Korea, become hostile and unstable .

Define the 'international community' .

The 'international community' is a term used by global governance institutions to justify their actions, reflecting for liberals the universal desire for human rights , peace and a better life.

Why do liberals argue international organisations such as NGOs have grown?

Liberals argue NGOs grew from the 1980s because of a rise in democracies and a belief in universalism, giving people the agency to organise for a rules-based world.

Liberals argue the rise in global female literacy since 1980 shows the positive of international organisations such as the UN.

Liberals argue the rise in global female literacy since 1980 shows the positive impact of international organisations such as the UN.

What do liberals cite as evidence that international organisations can have a powerful positive impact?

Liberals argue that international organisations can achieve a powerful positive impact , evidenced by the World Health Organisation's eradication of smallpox and reduction of polio.

True or False? Liberals accept that changing state laws does not guarantee those laws are enforced in practice.

True. The impact of international organisations is variable, as the World Bank's finding that only 14 states had full gender equality by 2023 shows that changing laws does not guarantee enforcement.

How do realists view human nature?

Realists view humans as self-interested , competitive and power-seeking, rational but motivated by survival rather than morality.

Define power in realism.

Power is the central concept in realism and the main driving force behind state behaviour, as states seek power to ensure survival and security in an anarchic system.

How do liberals view human nature?

Liberals view humans as optimistic , rational and capable of progress, with a natural desire for human rights and equality.

True or False? Liberals see power as potentially dangerous if it is concentrated in the hands of the state.

True. Liberals view concentrated power as something that can limit individual freedom and potential.

Define Democratic Peace Theory .

Democratic Peace Theory is the liberal idea that conflict is avoidable if the citizens of democratic states have rights and justice.

According to realists, whose responsibility is it to maintain order and security?

Realists argue that maintaining order and security is the responsibility of individual state governments , as they do not believe a genuine global world order exists.

Realists believe conflict between states is , whereas liberals believe is the key to avoiding and resolving conflict.

Realists believe conflict between states is inevitable , whereas liberals believe cooperation is the key to avoiding and resolving conflict.

How do realists interpret international organisations?

Realists see international organisations as tools of powerful states used for their own benefit, with any resulting cooperation fragile at best.

Define an anarchic international system .

An anarchic international system is one with no authority above the state, in which realist states must seek power to ensure their own survival and security .

How do liberals view international organisations?

Liberals see international organisations as meaningful tools for cooperation that are impactful in development, trade, human rights and resolving conflict.

True or False? Realists believe international organisations create strong, lasting cooperation between states.

False. Realists argue that any cooperation resulting from international organisations is fragile at best.

Define anarchy in the global system.

Anarchy is the absence of rules and authority ; in global politics it describes a system with no power above the state, but it does not mean chaos.

True or False? Even in an anarchic global system, state behaviour is constrained by shared norms and expectations.

True. Power remains important, but under the Society of States model state behaviour is constrained by norms and expectations of predictability and legitimacy.

Define Society of States theory .

Society of States theory argues that although the international system is anarchic, states form a society governed by shared rules, norms and institutions.

Despite anarchy, which shared principles do states accept under Society of States theory?

Under Hedley Bull's Society of States theory, states accept common principles such as sovereignty, diplomacy, international law and non-intervention .

According to Society of States theory, anarchy produces rather than chaos because states value predictability and legitimacy.

According to Society of States theory, anarchy produces order rather than chaos because states value predictability and legitimacy.

Between which two theories does Society of States theory sit?

Society of States theory sits between realism and liberalism , accepting anarchy and sovereignty while also seeing cooperation and institutions as meaningful.

True or False? Society of States theory is criticised for prioritising order over justice and being highly state-centric.

True. Its key criticism is that it prioritises order over justice and is highly state-centric.

What does Society of States theory identify as its main strength?

Its main strength is explaining why states often follow international law without enforcement.

Define the Paris Climate Agreement (2015).

The Paris Climate Agreement (2015) is an agreement in which nearly every state agreed to cooperate to limit global temperature rise , showing order can exist without central authority.

Under what condition does anarchical society recognise that state co-operation takes place?

Anarchical society recognises that state co-operation takes place when it is mutually beneficial .

How do liberals view the role of international law and institutions in the Paris Agreement?

Liberals view international law and institutions, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, as meaningful and influential in reducing conflict and increasing stability.

How do liberals interpret the global response to the pandemic?

Liberals argue that complex interdependence enabled cooperation , with IGOs, NGOs and states coordinating through initiatives such as COVAX to produce an effective vaccine within a year.

The WHO declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020, and by December 2020 a was made available through international agencies it co-led.

The WHO declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020, and by December 2020 a vaccine was made available through international agencies it co-led.

How do realists interpret the global pandemic?

Realists argue that interdependence made states more vulnerable , spreading the disease rapidly and leading states to act independently in their national self-interest.

Define a rules-based international order .

A rules-based international order is the liberal view of global governance as a system of shared rules upheld by a community of states, evidenced by the UN's 193 member states .

Why do liberals argue that economic global governance is essential?

Liberals argue that economic global governance is essential to prevent crises and manage interdependence, as shown by the IMF's bailout of Greece (2010-2018) preventing wider damage to the European economy.

Define the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

R2P is the principle, supported by liberals, that it can be acceptable to breach a state's sovereignty to prevent severe human rights abuses against its citizens.

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Cards in this collection (57)

Define realism.
Realism is a theory of global politics which argues that states see the world as it is rather than as people hope it to be, treating states as the most significant actors and power as the most significant concept.
What do realists argue is the primary goal of every state?
Realists argue that the primary goal of every state is its own needs and, ultimately, its survival.
Define the balance of power.
The balance of power is the realist idea that a stable world order is best maintained when power between states is balanced, as in a multipolar or bi-polar system.
In a world, such as the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the USA, two states each keep up with the other in power capability.
In a bi-polar world, such as the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the USA, two states each keep up with the other in power capability.
What do offensive realists argue is the ultimate goal of states, rather than balance?
Offensive realists argue that the ultimate goal of states is to achieve hegemonic power rather than balance, a view advanced by John Mearsheimer.
Define international anarchy.
International anarchy is a system in which there is no higher power than the state, so every state must depend on itself for survival.
True or False?
Realists believe that conflict between states can ultimately be avoided.
False.
Realists view conflict as inevitable, as the constant competition for power eventually leads to conflict.
Define the billiard ball model.
The billiard ball model explains global politics by treating states as separate, independent units in an anarchic system, each with a hard shell of sovereignty.
What type of 'game' do realists argue is at play in the anarchic international system?
Realists argue a zero sum game is at play, where one state's gain is another state's loss.
Define the security dilemma.
The security dilemma is the idea that actions a state takes to increase its own security can unintentionally make other states feel less secure, leading to rising tension and conflict.
How does Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine illustrate the security dilemma?
It illustrates the spiral model: NATO's eastward expansion was defensive, but Russia interpreted it as a threat, so each side's attempts to increase security reduced overall security and escalated into war.
Define liberalism.
Liberalism is an ideology that emphasises individual freedom, limited government, and the protection of civil liberties and rights.
According to liberalism, which actor in global politics is the most powerful?
Liberals argue that the most powerful actor is the state, whose duty is to protect its people, though IGOs, NGOs and MNCs also play an important role.
True or False?
Liberalism holds a pessimistic view of human nature.
False.
Liberalism has an essentially optimistic worldview, viewing human beings as good if they are treated well.
Why do liberals argue that democratic states are more peaceful?
Liberals argue that democratic states are more peaceful because it is ordinary people who suffer most in conflict, and they will not choose a pathway to conflict.
Define complex interdependence.
Complex interdependence is the liberal view of global politics as a complex web of interdependence between actors and stakeholders, producing a peaceful and prosperous planet.
Liberals argue that free trade lets each country specialise, so that war becomes even more and complicated.
Liberals argue that free trade lets each country specialise, so that war becomes even more costly and complicated.
Why do liberals argue that states cannot desirably isolate themselves from the world?
Liberals argue that isolation is neither possible nor desirable, because states that cut themselves off, such as North Korea, become hostile and unstable.
Define the 'international community'.
The 'international community' is a term used by global governance institutions to justify their actions, reflecting for liberals the universal desire for human rights, peace and a better life.
Why do liberals argue international organisations such as NGOs have grown?
Liberals argue NGOs grew from the 1980s because of a rise in democracies and a belief in universalism, giving people the agency to organise for a rules-based world.
Liberals argue the rise in global female literacy since 1980 shows the positive of international organisations such as the UN.
Liberals argue the rise in global female literacy since 1980 shows the positive impact of international organisations such as the UN.
What do liberals cite as evidence that international organisations can have a powerful positive impact?
Liberals argue that international organisations can achieve a powerful positive impact, evidenced by the World Health Organisation's eradication of smallpox and reduction of polio.
True or False?
Liberals accept that changing state laws does not guarantee those laws are enforced in practice.
True.
The impact of international organisations is variable, as the World Bank's finding that only 14 states had full gender equality by 2023 shows that changing laws does not guarantee enforcement.
How do realists view human nature?
Realists view humans as self-interested, competitive and power-seeking, rational but motivated by survival rather than morality.
Define power in realism.
Power is the central concept in realism and the main driving force behind state behaviour, as states seek power to ensure survival and security in an anarchic system.
How do liberals view human nature?
Liberals view humans as optimistic, rational and capable of progress, with a natural desire for human rights and equality.
True or False?
Liberals see power as potentially dangerous if it is concentrated in the hands of the state.
True.
Liberals view concentrated power as something that can limit individual freedom and potential.
Define Democratic Peace Theory.
Democratic Peace Theory is the liberal idea that conflict is avoidable if the citizens of democratic states have rights and justice.
According to realists, whose responsibility is it to maintain order and security?
Realists argue that maintaining order and security is the responsibility of individual state governments, as they do not believe a genuine global world order exists.
Realists believe conflict between states is , whereas liberals believe is the key to avoiding and resolving conflict.
Realists believe conflict between states is inevitable, whereas liberals believe cooperation is the key to avoiding and resolving conflict.
How do realists interpret international organisations?
Realists see international organisations as tools of powerful states used for their own benefit, with any resulting cooperation fragile at best.
Define an anarchic international system.
An anarchic international system is one with no authority above the state, in which realist states must seek power to ensure their own survival and security.
How do liberals view international organisations?
Liberals see international organisations as meaningful tools for cooperation that are impactful in development, trade, human rights and resolving conflict.
True or False?
Realists believe international organisations create strong, lasting cooperation between states.
False.
Realists argue that any cooperation resulting from international organisations is fragile at best.
Define anarchy in the global system.
Anarchy is the absence of rules and authority; in global politics it describes a system with no power above the state, but it does not mean chaos.
True or False?
Even in an anarchic global system, state behaviour is constrained by shared norms and expectations.
True.
Power remains important, but under the Society of States model state behaviour is constrained by norms and expectations of predictability and legitimacy.
Define Society of States theory.
Society of States theory argues that although the international system is anarchic, states form a society governed by shared rules, norms and institutions.
Despite anarchy, which shared principles do states accept under Society of States theory?
Under Hedley Bull's Society of States theory, states accept common principles such as sovereignty, diplomacy, international law and non-intervention.
According to Society of States theory, anarchy produces rather than chaos because states value predictability and legitimacy.
According to Society of States theory, anarchy produces order rather than chaos because states value predictability and legitimacy.
Between which two theories does Society of States theory sit?
Society of States theory sits between realism and liberalism, accepting anarchy and sovereignty while also seeing cooperation and institutions as meaningful.
True or False?
Society of States theory is criticised for prioritising order over justice and being highly state-centric.
True.
Its key criticism is that it prioritises order over justice and is highly state-centric.
What does Society of States theory identify as its main strength?
Its main strength is explaining why states often follow international law without enforcement.
Define the Paris Climate Agreement (2015).
The Paris Climate Agreement (2015) is an agreement in which nearly every state agreed to cooperate to limit global temperature rise, showing order can exist without central authority.
Under what condition does anarchical society recognise that state co-operation takes place?
Anarchical society recognises that state co-operation takes place when it is mutually beneficial.
How do liberals view the role of international law and institutions in the Paris Agreement?
Liberals view international law and institutions, such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, as meaningful and influential in reducing conflict and increasing stability.
How do liberals interpret the global response to the pandemic?
Liberals argue that complex interdependence enabled cooperation, with IGOs, NGOs and states coordinating through initiatives such as COVAX to produce an effective vaccine within a year.
The WHO declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020, and by December 2020 a was made available through international agencies it co-led.
The WHO declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020, and by December 2020 a vaccine was made available through international agencies it co-led.
How do realists interpret the global pandemic?
Realists argue that interdependence made states more vulnerable, spreading the disease rapidly and leading states to act independently in their national self-interest.
Define a rules-based international order.
A rules-based international order is the liberal view of global governance as a system of shared rules upheld by a community of states, evidenced by the UN's 193 member states.
Why do liberals argue that economic global governance is essential?
Liberals argue that economic global governance is essential to prevent crises and manage interdependence, as shown by the IMF's bailout of Greece (2010-2018) preventing wider damage to the European economy.
Define the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).
R2P is the principle, supported by liberals, that it can be acceptable to breach a state's sovereignty to prevent severe human rights abuses against its citizens.
True or False?
Realists support forcible humanitarian intervention because it upholds human rights.
False.
Realists argue that forcible humanitarian intervention breaches state sovereignty and should not happen.
How do liberals interpret China's decision to join the World Trade Organisation?
Liberals argue that joining the WTO in 2001 and integrating into global supply chains was key to China's economic success, showing that states can develop by engaging with global governance.
Define the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Belt and Road Initiative is a large-scale infrastructure and investment project launched by China in 2013, spanning Asia, Africa and Europe.
How do liberals interpret Norway's relationship with the EU?
Liberals argue that although Norway is not an EU member, it is not isolated, as it has free trade with the EU and is a founding member of NATO, showing that states thrive through interconnectedness.
True or False?
Norway is a member of the European Union.
False.
Norway is not an EU member, though it is interdependent with the EU and is its largest and most reliable supplier of natural gas.
According to a realist interpretation, why does Norway remain outside the EU?
Realists argue a state will not join a regional governance institution without clear economic or security benefits.

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