International Relations theory made easy (4): Realism

Introductory lecture to the discipline of International Relations by Dr Patrick Theiner, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Recorded in late 2020.
== Timestamps ==
00:00 - Intro
01:02 - Theory as pattern recognition
04:15 - The Peloponnesian War
08:42 - Early realist thinkers
09:50 - Niccolo Machiavelli
14:27 - Origins of realism
17:17 - Kenneth Waltz' Neorealism
20:34 - Other realist theorists
21:56 - Core assumptions of neorealism
27:13 - Relationships between core concepts
28:57 - The security dilemma
34:17 - Balance of power
36:30 - How much power is enough?
38:42 - Unipolarity vs. bipolarity vs. multipolarity
44:49 - Realism and cooperation
49:17 - Realism and international institutions
50:43 - Is this a good theory?

[@alialina596]

This was the best lecture ever. So clear to understand and also very interesting. I have a midterm due tonight based on this theory and Liberalism, and to be honest, I am going to pass because of this amazing lecture. I really wish you were my professor for International Relations Theory. Thank you so much!!

[@elif8837]

you basically recapped in one video what I've been studying for a year as an IR student.

[@samiullahkhan2391]

I feel obligated to thank you on every new upload, thats how much helpful it is for me. 😀

[@roneyhaarengl5199]

Your classes are SO good. Thanks from Brazil xx

[@johnmwansa3231]

Your lectures are good.Thanks from Zambia

[@user-fh8py1um2h]

Thank you so much I just started my degree in international relations and midterm is coming. It is really hard for me with all the theories, plus I have no background in international relations. Your lecture really help me! 💗😊

[@cactusberk]

Realism is way too clear in my head, your classes are so good. Thank you sir!

[@leilakhademhosseini5412]

A great, simplified and yet comprehensive description! Thank you so much

[@lindiwegwebu4184]

Explained in a simple way that makes it so understandable and interesting. Your explanation of what theories are is very good. As an IR student I’m learning a lot from your videos. Thank you

[@shadikvel62]

Great video! As well as the one about constructivism. Thank you! It contains all the necessary info and very helpful before an exam just to recall what really matters! :)

[@don2458]

Truly great presentation and summation of IR--Realism.

[@cheallure1656]

thank you so much, I learned a lot. Much appreciated

[@muhammadnoumankhan286]

Very much good lecture, thank you very much Sir

[@wodidos]

Had a seminary on the imperialism of the roman republic. I was shocked to find out that the overwhelming majority of historians of antiquity view the rise of the roman empire in (neo)realist terms and it is the most accepted explanation for it (according to my professor at least). Great lecture!

[@PatrickTheiner]

Very interesting that there's a theory crossover happening, thanks for sharing!

[@wodidos]

@@PatrickTheiner oh there definitely is. I find that working with theoretical concepts is a fruitful way to engage with ancient history, but yeah it was kinda astounding that when it comes to the hotly debated nature of roman imperialism (or roman expansion) the realist view seems to be dominant interpretation. Even Theodor Mommsen at the beginning of the 20. century described it as “defensive imperialism”, which aligns with a realist interpretation in my opinion. As for contemporary proponents of a realist view on roman imperialism you can read Paul J. Burton if you’re interested.

[@prakullsharma2127]

Oooooo love the new thumbnails sir!!

[@elizabethibia1675]

I loved this class .. thanks from Nigeria

[@kobalt6927]

U can also include the Punic wars, wherein Carthage was a naval/trading power, while Rome was a land/militaristic power

[@PatrickTheiner]

Good point - there are a lot of examples really, which is great for realists, of course. No one loves a good pattern like a realist!

[@xuruurijana697]

Thanks, a very good lecture. I found it extremely helpful

[@xuruurijana697]

Fro uganda of course

[@maxv9947]

thank you!

[@isabelroesslerpartridge6214]

Hi, I don't know if you'll see this comment but your channel is so brilliant - I'm doing an undergraduate in IR and Politics and my IR first year exam is tomorrow and this has been more helpful than anything else. I know you probably won't see this in time and probably don't have them available anyway but is there any platform in which one could access the lecture slides you show in your videos to use for revision?

[@PatrickTheiner]

Hi isabel, thanks so much for the kind words, I'm really glad the series helped you! Unfortunately, I tend to not share slides for copyright reasons. I hope this is still helpful - and good luck with your exam!

[@lahcenechel1855]

Vielen Dank für das Video. Nur wollte ich fragen ob die Möglichkeit für ein promotionsausschuss bei euch gibt.

[@suhuuranwar759]

(Why do interstate wars take place ?) I was wondering if you know two main theories that Can be used to answer the question

[@antipsikiyatriKizi]

Super

[@youreinacoma3009]

2:41 oh man i instantly saw thucyidides trap and the pelloponesian war between sparta and athens and the delian league

[@Lucia33-3]

🔥🔥

[@user-px9th3wb6g]

loved the american classroom dig!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@florentin4061]

Du hast so gut englisch gesprochen, hätte nicht gedacht das du zuerst deutsch kannst.

[@user-vb6zm9qh9k]

Where can i find the recommended reading?

[@PatrickTheiner]

The two recommended readings for Realism are: Jørgensen, K. (2017) International Relations Theory. London: Macmillan. Ch. 5 “The Realist Tradition”. Mearsheimer, J.J. (1994) 'The False Promise of International Institutions', International Security, 19 (3), 5-49. There are obviously many more readings, but those can get you started.

[@user-vb6zm9qh9k]

@@PatrickTheiner thank you, appreciate the reply

[@ahmedardoof8629]

I need this presentation text Please?

[@vaishnaviyelagandula]

Kautilya is far ahead in sharing his ideas on statecraft...he gave his theory much ahead of Machiavelli....and he is paradoxically touted as Indian Machiavelli😶..... This is all glorifying the west ..🥱