Introduction to International Relations: The Weaknesses of Realism

Introduction to International Relations Lecture 03: Perceptions and Misperceptions of Realism Part II: The Theoretical and Historical Weaknesses of Realism Dr. Michael Rossi Department of Political Science Rutgers University September 14, 2015 Music: David Hasselhoff, “Looking for Freedom“, Live at Berlin Wall, December 31, 1989 Chapter markers: 0:19 - Introducing John Mearsheimer’s article “Back to the Future“ (1990) 4:28 - The International System in 1990 7:25 - Predictions of the Post-Cold War World 14:54 - Nuclear Proliferation? 17:47 - Differences in Polarity 22:21 - Theoretical Weaknesses of Realism 24:27 - Human Agency 27:23 - Historical Subjectivity 30:36 - Prelude to Liberalism