International Relations theory made easy (4): Realism

Introductory lecture to the discipline of International Relations by Dr Patrick Theiner, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Recorded in late 2020.

== Timestamps ==
00:00 - Intro
01:02 - Theory as pattern recognition
04:15 - The Peloponnesian War
08:42 - Early realist thinkers
09:50 - Niccolo Machiavelli
14:27 - Origins of realism
17:17 - Kenneth Waltz' Neorealism
20:34 - Other realist theorists
21:56 - Core assumptions of neorealism
27:13 - Relationships between core concepts
28:57 - The security dilemma
34:17 - Balance of power
36:30 - How much power is enough?
38:42 - Unipolarity vs. bipolarity vs. multipolarity
44:49 - Realism and cooperation
49:17 - Realism and international institutions
50:43 - Is this a good theory?

[elif]

you basically recapped in one video what I've been studying for a year as an IR student.

[alialina]

This was the best lecture ever. So clear to understand and also very interesting. I have a midterm due tonight based on this theory and Liberalism, and to be honest, I am going to pass because of this amazing lecture. I really wish you were my professor for International Relations Theory.

Thank you so much!!

[roneyhaarengl]

Your classes are SO good. Thanks from Brazil xx

[fhpyumh]

Thank you so much
I just started my degree in international relations and midterm is coming. It is really hard for me with all the theories, plus I have no background in international relations. Your lecture really help me! 💗😊

[cactusberk]

Realism is way too clear in my head, your classes are so good. Thank you sir!

[samiullahkhan]

I feel obligated to thank you on every new upload, thats how much helpful it is for me. 😀

[AsadKhan-qvvp]

Keep uploading more about IR. You will go a long way lad.

[luisadiaz]

Thank you so much for the lectures, I just love them all!!

[lindiwegwebu]

Explained in a simple way that makes it so understandable and interesting. Your explanation of what theories are is very good. As an IR student I’m learning a lot from your videos. Thank you

[leilakhademhosseini]

A great, simplified and yet comprehensive description!
Thank you so much

[kobalt]

U can also include the Punic wars, wherein Carthage was a naval/trading power, while Rome was a land/militaristic power

[don]

Truly great presentation and summation of IR--Realism.

[shadikvel]

Great video! As well as the one about constructivism. Thank you! It contains all the necessary info and very helpful before an exam just to recall what really matters! :)

[muhammadnoumankhan]

Very much good lecture, thank you very much Sir

[wodidos]

Had a seminary on the imperialism of the roman republic. I was shocked to find out that the overwhelming majority of historians of antiquity view the rise of the roman empire in (neo)realist terms and it is the most accepted explanation for it (according to my professor at least).

Great lecture!

[elizabethibia]

I loved this class .. thanks from Nigeria

[isabelroesslerpartridge]

Hi, I don't know if you'll see this comment but your channel is so brilliant - I'm doing an undergraduate in IR and Politics and my IR first year exam is tomorrow and this has been more helpful than anything else. I know you probably won't see this in time and probably don't have them available anyway but is there any platform in which one could access the lecture slides you show in your videos to use for revision?

[cheallure]

thank you so much, I learned a lot. Much appreciated

[florentin]

Du hast so gut englisch gesprochen, hätte nicht gedacht das du zuerst deutsch kannst.

[xuruurijana]

Thanks, a very good lecture. I found it extremely helpful