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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”.
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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Connects classical theories to current international relations and events.
Provides a comprehensive exploration of key realist theories and figures.
Offers deep insights by comparing ancient and modern political realism.
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