34.3.1 Human nature and power

Realist View on Human Nature and Power

Human Nature

• Pessimistic Outlook: Realists hold a fundamentally pessimistic view of human nature. They believe that humans are inherently selfish, driven by a desire for power, and are prone to conflict. This view is rooted in the writings of classical realists like Thomas Hobbes, who famously described life in the state of nature as "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." For realists, humans are motivated by self-interest and are naturally inclined to seek power and security, often at the expense of others.
• Anarchy and Competition: Because of this view of human nature, realists argue that the international system, which is anarchic (lacking a central authority), is a place where states are in constant competition. In this environment, each state must rely on itself (self-help) to secure its survival, leading to a perpetual struggle for power and dominance.

Power

• Power as the Central Element: For realists, power is the central element of international relations. They argue that in an anarchic world, where no overarching authority exists to enforce rules or protect states, power becomes the primary means through which states ensure their survival and achieve their goals.
• Balance of Power: Realists emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance of power, where no single state becomes too powerful, as a way to prevent domination and potential conflicts. They believe that states constantly seek to increase their power relative to others, either through military might, economic strength, or strategic alliances.
• Relative Gains: Realists focus on relative gains rather than absolute gains. They are concerned with how much power one state has compared to another, rather than how much power a state gains overall. This focus on relative power often leads to zero-sum thinking, where one state's gain is seen as another's loss.

Liberal View on Human Nature and Power

Human Nature

• Optimistic Outlook: In contrast to realists, liberals have a more optimistic view of human nature. They believe that humans are rational beings capable of cooperation and altruism. Liberals argue that, while humans have self-interests, they are also capable of working together to achieve common goals and can be guided by ethical principles and laws.
• Potential for Cooperation: Liberals believe that the rational qualities of human beings allow them to recognize the benefits of cooperation over conflict. They argue that through institutions, laws, and norms, humans can overcome their baser instincts and work together to create a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Power

• Power as Multidimensional: Liberals view power not just in military terms but as multidimensional, encompassing economic, diplomatic, and soft power aspects. They argue that power can be used for more than just coercion or dominance; it can also be used to foster cooperation, build institutions, and promote common values.
• Importance of Institutions: Liberals emphasize the role of international institutions in mitigating the anarchic nature of the international system. They believe that institutions can create rules and norms that facilitate cooperation, reduce uncertainty, and help states achieve mutual gains. The European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), and World Trade Organization (WTO) are examples of institutions that liberals argue help manage global issues and promote peace.
• Absolute Gains: Unlike realists, liberals focus on absolute gains. They believe that states are not just concerned with how much power they have relative to others but are also interested in overall improvements in their situation. This perspective encourages cooperation because states can all benefit simultaneously, rather than one state gaining at the expense of another.

Key Differences Between Realists and Liberals

• Approach to Power: Realists view power primarily in terms of military and strategic dominance and focus on maintaining a balance of power to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful. Liberals see power as multifaceted, including economic and diplomatic power, and believe it can be used to build institutions and promote global cooperation.
• Gains and Cooperation: Realists focus on relative gains and see international relations as a zero-sum game, where one state's gain is another's loss. Liberals focus on absolute gains, believing that all states can benefit from cooperation and that institutions can help manage and mitigate the inherent anarchy of the international system.

Conclusion