Ancient and Modern Realism
In spite of its pessimistic and unromantic account of politics and human nature, realism has nonetheless remained one of the most enduring and influential schools of thought in political thought. In this course, we will look at two of the most important thinkers in this school. The theory of political realism argues that power and interests are the primary motivators of states and this tends to drive them into competition and conflict. We will look at the ancient Athenian historian Thucydides whose History of the Peloponnesian War's dramatic and often harrowing account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta illustrates the principles of political realism. Thucydides produces a brilliant analysis of statecraft in the classical age of Greece that retains its relevance today. Then we will look at John Mearsheimer’s works The Tragedy of Great Power Politics and The Great Delusion. Mearsheimer is one of the most influential contemporary realists of our time and a critic of liberal internationalism. We try to pair the ancient and the modern to show some of their differences and similarities. Mearsheimer is an offensive realist who thinks that the anarchy of the international system drives states into security competition and leads them to attempt to expand their power. Thucydides discusses security dilemmas but also the permanence of human nature, and the vital significance of human leadership and decision-making in understanding politics. Perhaps, more importantly, our course will shed light on the continuities of realist principles across thousands of years of human history that make an ancient classic like that of Thucydides truly (as he called it) “a possession for all time”.
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In spite of its pessimistic and unromantic account of politics and human nature, realism has nonetheless remained one of the most enduring and influential schools of thought in political thought. In this course, we will look at two of the most important thinkers in this school. The theory of political realism argues that power and interests are the primary motivators of states and this tends to drive them into competition and conflict. We will look at the ancient Athenian historian Thucydides whose History of the Peloponnesian War's dramatic and often harrowing account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta illustrates the principles of political realism. Thucydides produces a brilliant analysis of statecraft in the classical age of Greece that retains its relevance today. Then we will look at John Mearsheimer’s works The Tragedy of Great Power Politics and The Great Delusion. Mearsheimer is one of the most influential contemporary realists of our time and a critic of liberal internationalism. We try to pair the ancient and the modern to show some of their differences and similarities. Mearsheimer is an offensive realist who thinks that the anarchy of the international system drives states into security competition and leads them to attempt to expand their power. Thucydides discusses security dilemmas but also the permanence of human nature, and the vital significance of human leadership and decision-making in understanding politics. Perhaps, more importantly, our course will shed light on the continuities of realist principles across thousands of years of human history that make an ancient classic like that of Thucydides truly (as he called it) “a possession for all time”.
In spite of its pessimistic and unromantic account of politics and human nature, realism has nonetheless remained one of the most enduring and influential schools of thought in political thought. In this course, we will look at two of the most important thinkers in this school. The theory of political realism argues that power and interests are the primary motivators of states and this tends to drive them into competition and conflict. We will look at the ancient Athenian historian Thucydides whose History of the Peloponnesian War's dramatic and often harrowing account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta illustrates the principles of political realism. Thucydides produces a brilliant analysis of statecraft in the classical age of Greece that retains its relevance today. Then we will look at John Mearsheimer’s works The Tragedy of Great Power Politics and The Great Delusion. Mearsheimer is one of the most influential contemporary realists of our time and a critic of liberal internationalism. We try to pair the ancient and the modern to show some of their differences and similarities. Mearsheimer is an offensive realist who thinks that the anarchy of the international system drives states into security competition and leads them to attempt to expand their power. Thucydides discusses security dilemmas but also the permanence of human nature, and the vital significance of human leadership and decision-making in understanding politics. Perhaps, more importantly, our course will shed light on the continuities of realist principles across thousands of years of human history that make an ancient classic like that of Thucydides truly (as he called it) “a possession for all time”.
What's inside
Learning objectives
- The basic principles and ideas of political realism
- Thucydides and his history of the peloponnesian war
- Key ideas of contemporary realist john mearsheimer
- How realism differs from other apporoaches to international politics
- A comparative sense of realist principles as understood and applied in antiquity and our own time.
- The basic principles and ideas of political realism
- Thucydides and his history of the peloponnesian war
- Key ideas of contemporary realist john mearsheimer
- How realism differs from other apporoaches to international politics
- A comparative sense of realist principles as understood and applied in antiquity and our own time.
Syllabus
Introduction
We introduce the concept of political realism, its various schools, and its distinction from other theories like liberal internationalism.
Read: Mearsheimer. The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. Introduction and Chapter 1
Read more
Syllabus
We introduce the concept of political realism, its various schools, and its distinction from other theories like liberal internationalism.
Read: Mearsheimer. The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. Introduction and Chapter 1
Thucydides - the ancient Athenian father of political realism - focuses on the conflict between Athens and Sparta. We introduce the two great cities of ancient Hellas that play the central role in this historical drama.
What makes it so difficult for humanity to find enduring peace and drives states with no wish to fight into the danger of armed conflict? We introduce the security dilemma in the context of Thucydides.
Read: Thucydides: History of the Peloponnesian War: Book I
Here we discuss Mearsheimer´s prognostication of intense security competition between the USA and China.
Read: Mearsheimer. The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. Chapter 10
The Athenian Pericles is associated with the Golden Age of Athens in terms of art, philosophy, and culture. He was also one of its most important statesmen who led Athens to the height of its power. We discuss his life, times, and grand strategy.
Mearsheimer argues for the primacy of land power - land vs. sea power is also a key theme in Thucydides.
After the death of Pericles, the "hawk" Cleon takes the lead in directing Athenian strategy. We discuss his rise - and his fall.
What ruthless strategies do states employ to survive and expand their power under conditions of international anarchy?
Read: The Tragedy of Great Power Politics: Chapter 5
In this dialogue between the Melians and the Athenian ambassadors, Thucydides distills the essence of power politics and tells a harrowing tale.
Turning now to Mearsheimer´s book "The Great Delusion", we discuss his argument that liberalism´s idealistic beliefs can nonetheless lead to military adventurism and overreach in foreign policy.
Read: Mearsheimer. The Great Delusion: Liberal Dreams and International Realities. Chapters 5, 6
Note - citation of relevant articles does not imply endorsement.
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Activities
Review Ancient and Modern Realist Texts
Show steps
Renew familiarity with key texts of realism prior to the start of the course
Show steps
-
Read Chapters 1 and 2 of John Mearsheimer's "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics"
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Read Book I of Thucydides' "The History of the Peloponnesian War"
Explore Online Resources on Political Realism
Show steps
Enhance understanding through guided tutorials that delve into the principles of political realism
Show steps
-
Watch video lectures on the key concepts of political realism
-
Complete online quizzes and exercises to test understanding
Read John Mearsheimer's "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics"
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of Mearsheimer's influential work on realist international relations
Show steps
-
Read the entire book
-
Take notes on the key arguments and concepts presented
-
Write an essay summarizing the main insights gained from the reading
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Explore interactive simulations on international relations
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of political realism by engaging with interactive simulations that illustrate key concepts. These simulations provide a dynamic and engaging way to explore the complexities of international relations.
Browse courses on
International Relations
Show steps
-
Identify interactive simulation platforms.
-
Select simulations that focus on topics related to political realism, such as the security dilemma.
-
Participate in the simulations and observe the outcomes.
-
Analyze the results and reflect on the implications for real-world international relations.
Read Thucydides' "The History of the Peloponnesian War"
Show steps
Gain a deep understanding of Thucydides' foundational work on political realism
Show steps
-
Read Books I-V of Thucydides' "The History of the Peloponnesian War"
-
Take notes on the key themes and arguments presented by Thucydides
-
Write a short summary of the main insights gained from the reading
Engage in Class Discussions
Show steps
Deepen understanding through active participation in class discussions and peer learning
Show steps
-
Prepare for class by reading the assigned materials
-
Actively participate in discussions, sharing insights and asking questions
Analyze Historical Case Studies
Show steps
Practice applying realist principles to historical events, strengthening analytical skills
Show steps
-
Select a historical case study related to international relations
-
Research and analyze the case study using realist principles
-
Write a report summarizing the findings and insights gained
Design a research proposal on political realism
Show steps
Develop your research skills by designing a research proposal on a topic related to political realism. This hands-on activity will help you apply the course concepts and enhance your understanding of the field.
Browse courses on
Research Design
Show steps
-
Choose a research topic and define your research question.
-
Review literature and identify relevant theories and concepts.
-
Design a research methodology, including data collection and analysis methods.
-
Write a research proposal outline, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Develop a Model of International Relations
Show steps
Synthesize learning by creating a model that illustrates the key principles of political realism
Show steps
-
Identify the key principles of political realism
-
Develop a visual or conceptual model that represents these principles
-
Present the model to the class or share it online
Contribute to an Open-Source Project on International Relations
Show steps
Apply knowledge and gain practical experience by contributing to a real-world project in the field
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source project related to international relations
-
Review the project documentation and codebase
-
Make a meaningful contribution, such as fixing bugs or adding new features
Review Ancient and Modern Realist Texts
Show steps
Renew familiarity with key texts of realism prior to the start of the course
Show steps
- Read Chapters 1 and 2 of John Mearsheimer's "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics"
- Read Book I of Thucydides' "The History of the Peloponnesian War"
Explore Online Resources on Political Realism
Show steps
Enhance understanding through guided tutorials that delve into the principles of political realism
Show steps
- Watch video lectures on the key concepts of political realism
- Complete online quizzes and exercises to test understanding
Read John Mearsheimer's "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics"
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of Mearsheimer's influential work on realist international relations
Show steps
- Read the entire book
- Take notes on the key arguments and concepts presented
- Write an essay summarizing the main insights gained from the reading
Explore interactive simulations on international relations
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of political realism by engaging with interactive simulations that illustrate key concepts. These simulations provide a dynamic and engaging way to explore the complexities of international relations.
Browse courses on
International Relations
Show steps
- Identify interactive simulation platforms.
- Select simulations that focus on topics related to political realism, such as the security dilemma.
- Participate in the simulations and observe the outcomes.
- Analyze the results and reflect on the implications for real-world international relations.
Read Thucydides' "The History of the Peloponnesian War"
Show steps
Gain a deep understanding of Thucydides' foundational work on political realism
Show steps
- Read Books I-V of Thucydides' "The History of the Peloponnesian War"
- Take notes on the key themes and arguments presented by Thucydides
- Write a short summary of the main insights gained from the reading
Engage in Class Discussions
Show steps
Deepen understanding through active participation in class discussions and peer learning
Show steps
- Prepare for class by reading the assigned materials
- Actively participate in discussions, sharing insights and asking questions
Analyze Historical Case Studies
Show steps
Practice applying realist principles to historical events, strengthening analytical skills
Show steps
- Select a historical case study related to international relations
- Research and analyze the case study using realist principles
- Write a report summarizing the findings and insights gained
Design a research proposal on political realism
Show steps
Develop your research skills by designing a research proposal on a topic related to political realism. This hands-on activity will help you apply the course concepts and enhance your understanding of the field.
Browse courses on
Research Design
Show steps
- Choose a research topic and define your research question.
- Review literature and identify relevant theories and concepts.
- Design a research methodology, including data collection and analysis methods.
- Write a research proposal outline, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Develop a Model of International Relations
Show steps
Synthesize learning by creating a model that illustrates the key principles of political realism
Show steps
- Identify the key principles of political realism
- Develop a visual or conceptual model that represents these principles
- Present the model to the class or share it online
Contribute to an Open-Source Project on International Relations
Show steps
Apply knowledge and gain practical experience by contributing to a real-world project in the field
Show steps
- Identify an open-source project related to international relations
- Review the project documentation and codebase
- Make a meaningful contribution, such as fixing bugs or adding new features
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