WEEK 1- 4 ESSENTIAL THEORIES OF
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Structural Realism - ANSWER-also known as neorealism, this form of realism
emphasizes structure rather than human nature, focuses on how states interact with
each other and how their distributive capacities play a role in that (rather than focusing
on the states themselves); structural realists see power as a means to the end of
protection.
Six principles of political realism - ANSWER-Politics is governed by objective laws
rooted in human nature
States governed by humans, humans have universal traits, Laws of human nature don't
change
Interests (national) are defined in terms of power
Self-survival (human trait) → states selfish and pursue national interest → they want
more power → can predict
Power is universal but changes over time
Interest changes according pol and cultural environment → national interest meaning
not permanent
Universal moral principles don't apply to states
Moral principles can't be applied to state actions because they prefer national interest →
abstract moral principles extracted then used
Any state's moral aspirations are not universal
States hide behind cloak of moral inspiration because states hide own national interest
and are selfish
Politics is an autonomous realm
Own sphere that considers other aspects like legal, economic, and moral but gives
priority to the political
Melian Dialogue - ANSWER-a dialogue within the History of the Peloponnesian War
which describes the takeover of Melios by Athens in the war because of Melios' refusal
to participate or take a side in the Peloponnesian war. This dialogue demonstrates how
powerful states will act in their self-interest and assert their sovereignty/power over
other states for the sake of self-preservation. Athens' logic was just let Melos be, Athens
would look weak and while Melos says they want to be neutral, they could fall to Sparta
or ally with Sparta for all Athens knows.
Anarchy - ANSWER-The natural state of power in which there is a decentralized
distribution of power in the international system, no leader or center to monopolize
power
Sovereignty, attribute of states that they are not subordinate to a higher power, no other
actor can exert legitimate power over it or intervene in its domestic affairs
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Structural Realism - ANSWER-also known as neorealism, this form of realism
emphasizes structure rather than human nature, focuses on how states interact with
each other and how their distributive capacities play a role in that (rather than focusing
on the states themselves); structural realists see power as a means to the end of
protection.
Six principles of political realism - ANSWER-Politics is governed by objective laws
rooted in human nature
States governed by humans, humans have universal traits, Laws of human nature don't
change
Interests (national) are defined in terms of power
Self-survival (human trait) → states selfish and pursue national interest → they want
more power → can predict
Power is universal but changes over time
Interest changes according pol and cultural environment → national interest meaning
not permanent
Universal moral principles don't apply to states
Moral principles can't be applied to state actions because they prefer national interest →
abstract moral principles extracted then used
Any state's moral aspirations are not universal
States hide behind cloak of moral inspiration because states hide own national interest
and are selfish
Politics is an autonomous realm
Own sphere that considers other aspects like legal, economic, and moral but gives
priority to the political
Melian Dialogue - ANSWER-a dialogue within the History of the Peloponnesian War
which describes the takeover of Melios by Athens in the war because of Melios' refusal
to participate or take a side in the Peloponnesian war. This dialogue demonstrates how
powerful states will act in their self-interest and assert their sovereignty/power over
other states for the sake of self-preservation. Athens' logic was just let Melos be, Athens
would look weak and while Melos says they want to be neutral, they could fall to Sparta
or ally with Sparta for all Athens knows.
Anarchy - ANSWER-The natural state of power in which there is a decentralized
distribution of power in the international system, no leader or center to monopolize
power
Sovereignty, attribute of states that they are not subordinate to a higher power, no other
actor can exert legitimate power over it or intervene in its domestic affairs
