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UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones 2009 Paradigmatic recrudescence: Classical realism in the age of globalization Nerses Kopalyan University of Nevada Las Vegas Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/thesesdissertations Part of the International and Area Studies Commons, and the International Relations Commons Repository Citation Kopalyan, Nerses, "Paradigmatic recrudescence: Classical realism in the age of globalization" (2009). UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 127. http://dx.doi.org/10.34917/1384947 This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by Digital Scholarship@UNLV with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Thesis has been accepted for inclusion in UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones by an authorized administrator of Digital Scholarship@UNLV. For more information, please contact [email protected]. PARADIGMATIC RECRUDESCENCE: CLASSICAL REALISM IN THE AGE OF GLOBALIZATION by Nerses Kopalyan Bachelor of Arts University of Nevada, Las Vegas 2006 A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Master of Arts in Political Science Department of Political Science College of Liberal Arts Graduate College University of Nevada, Las Vegas December 2009 Copyright by Nerses Kopalyan 2010 All Rights Reserved THE GRADUATE COLLEGE We recommend that the thesis prepared under our supervision by Nerses Kopalyan entitled Paradigmatic Recrudescence: Classical Realism in the Age Globalization be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Political Science Jonathan R. Strand, Committee Chair John P. Tuman, Committee Member David Fott, Committee Member Andrew Bell, Graduate Faculty Representative Ronald Smith, Ph. D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies and Dean of the Graduate College December 2009 ii ABSTRACT Paradigmatic Recrudescence: Classical Realism in the Age of Globalization by Nerses Kopalyan Dr. Jonathan R. Strand, Examination Committee Chair Associate Professor University of Nevada, Las Vegas The paradigm of classical realism has been the subject of extensive debate in the study of international relations. Its axiomatic suppositions, conceptual structures, theoretical framework, and analytical scope have made realism the subject of both genuine veneration and intense scrutiny at the hands of international relations scholars. This has had a three-fold effect on the evolvement of the paradigm: realism has been methodically revised by neorealists; realism has become a tool of analysis for revisionist non-realists; and realism has been marginalized and erroneously critiqued. The objective of this thesis is to demonstrate and prove the following four points. First, to address the problem of revisionism and the marginalization of classical realism, arguing for the revival of the paradigm. Second, to introduce an original method of inquiry, via the dialectical, to the study of the realist paradigm, providing for a new analytical approach. Third, to demonstrate, contrary to much held criticism, that the realist paradigm is both adequate and progressive within the standards of philosophy of science. And fourth, to address the concerns of whether the explanatory powers of the paradigm are sufficient in addressing the anomalies of the modern international political system. In its entirety, this thesis demonstrates that classical realism is a complete paradigm, providing the discipline with the most comprehensive tools in addressing the age of globalization. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS At the most fundamental level, the objective of scholarship is the advancement of knowledge, and through this advancement, some form of contribution to humanity. The intellectual is the most important member of society, for evolution favors him. To this end, the advancement of knowledge is the advancement of man, and as Aristotle teaches us, the attainment of man’s highest level of development: his nature. The intellectual, by nature, is elite. In this sense, I would like to thank the specific set of intellectuals whose dedication and contribution to this project have been enormous and constructive. Words cannot properly express my gratitude to Dr. Jonathan Strand, whose tireless devotion, sage advice, and endless patience made this project possible. His chairmanship of this project speaks volumes for his consummate professionalism. Deference must be endowed upon Dr. John Tuman, whose impressive intellect has been a model for me throughout the years that I have known him. I offer him many thanks for being part of this thesis. Intellectual growth is nourished and nurtured through patience and respect. Much of my growth in the academia is contributed to Dr. David Fott, whose devotion and friendship throughout the years have instilled in me the duties of being a scholar. I am indebted to him more than he can know. I would also like to thank Dr. Andrew Bell for being a contributing member of my thesis committee. Loyalty, honor, and a stoic sense of duty are what define Armenian men. This is best projected through one’s family. I am defined by my love for my family. This project is dedicated to my Armenian homeland, where my heart will always belong. “The strong did what they could, and the weak suffered what they must.” The truth spoken by Thucydides always pierces my soul. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................... iv CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 2 MORGENTHAU’S CLASSICAL REALISM: GODFATHER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ........................................................... 8 A Literature Review ....................................................................................................... 9 Realism’s Epistemology: The Underlying Theoretical-Philosophic Structure ............ 13 Classical Realism as a Theory of International Relations: Its Principles, Concepts, and Analytical Framework ................................................................................................. 16 The Concept of Power and the Theory of Balance of Power: Realism’s Homage to Reality .......................................................................................................................... 28 Morality and International Peace: The “Softer” Side of Classical Realism ................ 33 CHAPTER 3 THE NEOREALIST AND NEOLIBERAL CHALLENGE TO REALISM: AN ATTEMPT AT PARADIGM BUILDING ................... 42 The Passion for Structure: Waltz’s Neorealism ........................................................... 43 The Passion for Institutions: Keohane’s Neoliberalism ............................................... 47 The Neoparadigms Exposed: Revisionism as Contradiction ....................................... 49 CHAPTER 4 CONTRARIA CONTRARIIS CURANTUR: POWER AND THE DIALECTICAL ...................................................................................... 60 Introduction to the Dialectical ..................................................................................... 61 The Development of Interest: A Dialectical Model ..................................................... 66 The Logic of Power: Power as Dialectical Evolution .................................................. 70 Interest Defined in Terms of Power: Final Synthesis .................................................. 79 CHAPTER 5 THE POWER OF POWER POLITICS: A DEFENSE ......................... 84 The Anatomy of a Paradigm: Realism and the Philosophy of Science ....................... 85 An Inadequate Epistemological Structure: Vasquez’s Problem of Defining Realism 92 Evaluating the Adequacy of the Realist Paradigm: Disputing Vasquez’s Criteria .... 103 Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 111 CHAPTER 6 THE REALIST PARADIGM IN MODERNITY: A CONCLUSION . 113 Addressing Anomalies in the Modern International Political System: Realism’s Staying Power ............................................................................................................ 116 Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 130 BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................... 138 VITA ............................................................................................................................... 142 v CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION The paradigm of classical realism, 1 as a research program that seeks to understand and explain the nature of international politics, has been the subject of extensive debate in the study of international relations (IR). The composition of realism, with its axiomatic suppositions, conceptual structures, and analytical depth, has made this theory the subject of both
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