Today’s TopicsRealism and Liberalism

1. Finishing group discussion activity on realism in Rice speech.

2. Evaluating realism as a theory. 3. Introducing major common principles

of liberal thought.

Small-group Activity

1. Read handout copy of Rice speech on fight against terrorism (5 min.). Select:

1. 1 passage that shows evidence of realist viewpoint.

2. 1 passage that shows evidence of non-realist viewpoint.

2. Break into small groups (5-6 people). Collate answers and discuss why realist/ non-realist (7 min.).

3. Come together as class to discuss passages.

Evaluating Realism as a Theory

1. Explanatory power: 1. Empirical fit?

1. Good at general patterns, using simple theory.

2. Balance of power and states’ self-interest do seem pervasive.

2. Alternative explanations?1. Other theories provide powerful

alternative explanations for states’ “security interests.”

Evaluating Realism as a Theory

2. Predictive power: 1. OK again with general trends.2. Very poor at predicting change.

Evaluating Realism as a Theory

3. Intellectual consistency: 1. Fairly good, but has been criticized for

insufficient logic to progress from anarchy to assumption of self-help.

Evaluating Realism as a Theory

4. Scope: 1. Broad issue coverage: Explains a great

deal of system-level interaction in very broad terms, both economic and military issues.1. Waltz on military issues.2. Krasner on economic/ institutional issues.

2. Limited actor coverage: only states.

Evaluating Realism as a Theory

4. Self-reflection and engagement with other theories: 1. Poor: Realists have generally stuck to

their guns concerning weaknesses, using the defense that no one theory can explain everything.

Liberalism

Common Themes in Most Liberal Thought

1. Individuals are important actors, endowed with certain natural rights.

2. Humans are capable of progress and improvement.

3. Actors (individuals, organizations, or states) are seeking cooperation to create mutual benefit.

Common Themes in Liberal Thought

Major Strands of Thought:1. Market liberalism: Humans as utility-

maximizing, free, competitive beings (utilitarianism and market capitalism).

2. Ethical liberalism: Emphasis on political freedom, constitutionalism, individual human rights, democracy. Sees humans as striving to reach their potential.

Liberal Thought at the Domestic Level

1. Social contract theory of state’s relationship with citizens (ethical liberalism). E.g. John Locke

2. Classical and neoclassical economic liberalism (market liberalism). E.g. Adam Smith

Liberal Thought at the International Level

General Principles:1. History is progress: better ideas and

conduct win out over bad. 2. Durable institutions can be developed and

international actors will abide by them.3. States have other objectives besides

security.4. War is abnormal; cooperation is normal.