PYQ Vault · Paper 2 · Approaches to International Relations
Bring out the major differences between the Classical Realism of Hans Morgenthau and the Neorealism of Kenneth Waltz.
How the answer moves
The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.
Flow snapshot — how the answer moves
Intro routes
R1 common realist ground (power, anarchy, self-help) → one root difference: the Intro routes source of the power-struggle R2 both realist → disagree on where power politics begins → that root drives every other difference
Body flow
Morgenthau: cause in human nature (Politics Among Nations, objective laws from that Body flow nature).. Waltz: cause in system structure (Theory of International Politics, anarchy + distribution of capabilities; leaders/human nature downplayed, structure compels) → purpose of power: end (classical) vs means to survival (neorealism) → method: subjective /philosophical vs systematic/scientific, modelled on microeconomics → ethics: prudence present in Morgenthau vs largely absent in Waltz
Counter-view
despite the differences, both stay within realism → shared self-help + balance of power Counter-view → areworking of the foundation, not a break
Conclusion routes
R1 evolution from a human-centric to a system-centric account of IR k2 Conclusion routes structural rigour gained, but Morgenthau's attention to statecraft and ethics set aside
Model answer
Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.
