Structural Realism vs. Classical Realism

Mike Vervoort 9/26/2013
International Relations When discussing classical realism and structural realism, there is always a debate about what distinguishes the two. There are similarities between the two realisms but to really understand each, one must understand the differences. Mearsheimer uses a great phrase to differentiate the two realisms. Mearsheimer states, “For classical realist, power is an end in itself, for structural realists, power is a means to an end and the ultimate end is survival (Mearsheimer 2013: 78).” Classical Realism as Lebow states on page 61 is that “all politics is an expression of human drives and subject to the same pathologies.” Classical realist focuses solely on the state and its source of power. Instead of looking at the big picture of the international system, classical realists care more about domestic stability and order. Structural realists on the other hand care little about why the states want power and focus more on international system and what forces these states to pursue power. Structural realism can be divided. There is the Defensive realist and the Offensive realist (Mearsheimer 2013: 78). What Mearsheimer says about defensive realist is that states should not try to maximize their powers entirely because if they do the system today will discipline them if they try to gain too much power. An Offensive realist feels that it is a good idea for states to gain and access as much power as possible because with ensuring enough power, one will have a chance for their own survival. Classical realism compared to structural stress more on the similarities between domestic and international politics rather than the differences (Lebow 2013: 60). With this type idea, we see classical realists stress more the ethical and stability of communities. Another big difference between Classical and Structural realism is classical realist focus on connections in the human nature; provide distinctions between the status quo powers and revisionist states while also maintaining and emphasizing the importance in government. Structural realist will treat states as if they are black boxes: they are assumed to be alike (Mearsheimer 2013: 78). Structural realist main concern is seeking that power and while maintaining that power, ensuring their survival. To me I feel that Structural Realism is an improvement upon Classical realism. The reason I say this is because in chapter 4, Mearsheimer really breaks down structural realism in a sense that we look at it in two different ways. We could look at it in the Defensive realist point of view or the offensive realist point of view. No matter which way we want to look at Structural realism, we cannot just have a major concern for power and who has it. Structural realism expands classical realism in the sense that not only is power a major concern but while we have this power, we must make sure that the powers cannot be taken away. Classical realism still believes that power is the main concern but the stability with classical realism I feel may be an issue. If states only concern was gaining the power needed to become that hegemony power will they have the stability and order to maintain it? I feel that with Structural realism, there are more tactics that can be used in order to maintain the power seized by states without a concern of whether it will be taken or not. From what we have learned so far in class I feel that Structural realism provides states with the essential ideas needed to become a hegemony power. This does not mean the Classical realism has many problems but Structural realism is a more improved version of Classical realism that allows states to become powerful while also maintaining the order and stability in which to survive.

Work Cited

Dunne, T., Kurki, M., & Smith, S. (2013). International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity (Third ed., pp. 60-86). Oxford, United Kingdom : Oxford University Pres Inc.

Cited: Dunne, T., Kurki, M., & Smith, S. (2013). International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity (Third ed., pp. 60-86). Oxford, United Kingdom : Oxford University Pres Inc.