System Level Analysis: Realist

Perspective

LECTURE 5
 Introduction
• Factors
– Forces that influence foreign policy
• External factors
– International environment
• Internal factors
– Domestic political system
 External/System Level Factors

• Relative distribution of power (Economic

wealth, Military Prowess) effects foreign
policies of States
• Influential external actors
– Major/Great powers
– International/Regional organizations or Regimes
– Multi-national corporations
 Realist Perspective
• Anarchy
– Survival
– Self help
• States maximize relative gains and preserve
balance of power
• Distrust, competition and conflict
• Driving force behind foreign policy
– Need to acquire and safeguard security and power
• Ultimate goal
– Protection of territorial integrity
 Instruments of Power

• Military Strength
• Economic wealth
• Good leadership
• Geopolitical factors
– Natural defences
– Abundant resources
• Alliances
 Foreign Policies Based on Power
Capabilities
• Great/major Powers
• Preservance of power by maintaining high
profile & balancing against other powerful States
• Demonstration of military capabilities and
securing spheres of influence
• Middle Powers
• In Bipolarity
– Pressure to become ally
– Limited autonomy in foreign policy
– May try to play one major power against another
Contd…
• In Multi-polarity
– Most autonomy and regional influence
• In Uni-polarity
• No global influence but can assert regional
influence (China, Brazil, South Africa)
• Weak States
• Most constrained
• Little opportunity for independent F.P,
Dependent for security on protector