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On the Cost of Realism

Robert L. Rothstein

I. Realism according to Rothstein

a.

Involved commitment to a setof proposition about

international politics which

were essentially extrapolations

from diplomatic history of the

19th

Century Europe.

b.

Based on 4 premises

i.

All states would seek

power given the

opportunity

ii.

Power is an essentialprerequisite for other

goals

iii. Todays enemy can be

tomorrows ally

iv.

The use of Any means

was acceptable

c.

The role of statesman was to

make hard choices in a bitter

but limited struggle for

dominance in a world which:i.

States were involves in

an unending struggle

with each other

ii.

Power was necessary to

survive

iii.

All states were

potential enemies but

worse can be avoided

by clever diplomacy.

d.

Billiard ball theoryII.

(FAILURES OF REALISM)

a.

Is it really easy to distinguish a

Realist from a non-Realist? (p.

411, 1st

paragraph) *This

suggests that the list of

characteristics presumably

shared by all Realists are

irrelevant.

b.

Realist is someone who

possesses certaincharacteristics but we cannot

relate it to concrete choices.

c.

Realism is attractive to

professional diplomats because

of the necessity for a diplomatic

corps that Realism imposes.

d.

Realism assumes a world of

similar states and anomalies are

unwelcome.

e.

Both realists and practitioners

have bias to evaluate and

analyze current state system

according European History.

f.

Realism is ought to preserve

status quo.

III. Practical Effects of Realism

a.

The extent of which Realism has

been elitist and antidemocratic

was masked- or ignored- for

many years.

b.

Realism is a conservative

doctrine attractive to men

concerned with protecting the

status quo.

c.

Realism has emphasized the

necessity for the Great Powers

to maintain their prestige,

status, and credibility.

d.

Realism asserts that nothing

much could be changed.

Practitioners are armed with

traditional procedural skills.

Practice can only be learned by

doing. There is no proper

training but on the job

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IV. The future of Realism

a.

Its assumption about state

behavior has become

increasingly irrelevant.

b.

However, the dominant role

which Realism assigns to the

generalist practitioner makes its

hold over the mind of the

practitioner.

c.

Traditional security is no longer

likely to be the dominant

consideration in the world

politics

d.

The growing interdependence

within the state system implies

a system in which autonomy

and sovereignty is eroding.

REALISM PRESUPPOSES CONFLICT

THUS IT DESTROYS THE POSSIBILITY

OF WORKING OUT NEW FORMS OF

COOPERATION.