Idealism

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Idealism Realism
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Idealism and RealismSens Stoett, p25
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Political idealism after WW I

• Believed that human nature was good and that evil
  arises out of institutions
• Also believed that social progress is possible
  and that situations like war must and can be
  prevented.
• Organization and law can bring peace
• Collective security
• Woodrow Wilson 14 Points

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Realism Prevailed after WWII

• Key idea is that peace could be maintained
  through strength alliances
• Military force hard power
• Ideas, values soft power
• Realists distrust soft power

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Security dilemma p17-19

• Realists believe sovereign states use force any
  time if costs outweigh benefits
• Force is required for self-defence
• Because no higher power can protect
• States defence preparations look offensive
• Conflict spiral ensues

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Stag hunt allegory p18

• Rousseau illustrates realist logic on why peace
  is not attained
• All want it, but are diverted by self-interest
• Defection is likely and peace is lost
• Order comes only from agreements and alliances
• These are followed only when in states interest

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Realist view of alliances

• Peace is never reached, only balances of power
  maintained through policy, stability, and self
  interest.
• Alliances are balancing mechanisms and are seen
  as marriages of convenience. 19th Century
  British PM said Britain has no friends, only
  interests.