Showing papers by "Stephen D. Krasner published in 1992"

Realism, Imperialism, and Democracy A Response to Gilbert

Abstract: R ALISM IS NO DIFFERENT from other social science theories in its effort to provide both analysis and prescription. Alan Gilbert finds the analytic aspects of realism inadequate and its normative implications unfortunate if not reprehensible. Gilbert argues that realism is self-contradictory and antithetical to a world order based on democracy that could lead to peace and prosperity. He maintains that an internationalist perspective would oppose "aggression, colonialism, and neocolonialism, and sustain democracy abroad" (p. 10). He criticizes realism for endorsing concern with the life and well-being of the citizens of one's own state while ignoring the material and political condition of individuals in other states. Realism, Gilbert asserts, endorses the development of a national security apparatus that can be used to suppress the freedom of ordinary individuals domestically as well as in other countries. These are serious issues, worthy of careful consideration. In my view, Gilbert misunderstands the basic analytic claims of realist theory because he confuses domestic politics arguments, which are not realist, with international systems arguments, which are. He misrepresents the normative implications of realism by suggesting that it is an approach that encourages imperialism and expansionism, while, in fact, both the logic of the theory and its most prominent exponents, such as Hans Morgenthau, Kenneth Waltz, and Robert Gilpin, argue exactly the opposite. Gilbert does, though, raise more serious concerns about the relationship between realism and democracy both domestically and internationally. Given the Machiavellian tradition from which realism springs, these concerns cannot easily be dismissed. Neverthe-