Realism and Power Politics

I.   Introduction:  Bush's Foreign Policy

II.  Realism

A.  Definition

1.  Anarchy

2.  Human Nature

B.  Historical Roots

III. Power

A.  Definition

1.  Power as Influence

2.  Power as Capability

a.  tangible and intangible characteristics

3.  Two Examples:  World War II and the Vietnam War

IV.  Bargaining

A.  Definition

1.  Forms:  Words vs. Action

2.  Leverage

3.  Cultural Attributes

B.  Strategies of Bargaining

1.  Employing Power Capabilities

2.  Reciprocity, Deterrence, and Arms Races

a.  escalation

3.  Rationality

V.   International System

A.  Anarchy and Sovereignty

1.  Anarchy

2.  Sovereignty

3.  Security Dilemma

B.  Balance of Power

1.  Definition

VI.  Power Distribution and Neorealism 

A.  Polarity

1.  Multipolar and Bipolar

2.  Pyramid of Power

B.  Power Transition Theory

C.  Hegemony (unipolar)

1.  Hegemonic stability theory

2.  Hegemonic decline

VII. Alliances

A.  Defined