Assess the strengths and weaknesses of Classical Realism as an analytical framework with reference to the rise of ISIS PDF

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Assess the strengths and weaknesses of Classical Realism as an analytical framework with reference to the rise of ISIS.

Recently the media has placed heavy focus on reporting on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), not only have they acquired over a quarter of Iraq June 2015, they have now taken Syria. The new Caliphate was formed June 29th according to ISIS and is growing at an exponential rate, however the Syrian opposition has established itself as a force to be reckoned with, utilizing their alliance with al – Qaida and Jabhat al – Nusra. To further understand Classical Realism, the main focus of this essay, I will use ISIS to explore this. I will give a brief summary of ISIS, to ensure a full understanding of the group and their objectives. Then I will begin to elaborate and explain the main points of Classical Realism and how it can be related to the actions of the members of ISIS. I will also explore the strengths and weaknesses of Classical Realism and compare with Social Constructivism to reach full understanding. It is important to note that Classical Realists look for the source of war and conflict, and that they believe the state is superior to the system. In Classical Realism, it is important to differentiate between revisionists and status – quo (Schweller; 1996). Realists generally trace backgrounds of their ideas back to the fifth century BC, referencing all the way back to Peloponnesian war which Thucydides wrote about. His thesis was that power was the catalyst that stirred the need for competition within the state. And that co – operation was not encouraged. Classical Realism is not only derived from Thucydides, Classical Realism can also be compared to Machiavelli. The key similarity being the concept of human nature, Machiavelli stated ‘a prudent ruler cannot, and must not, honour his word when it places him at a disadvantage and when the reasons for which he made his promise no longer exist.’1 So essentially Machiavelli is saying that in order for leaders to act in the best interest of the nation, they would have to be dishonest. This is a very important notion for Classical Realists as they feel that in politics you can not let your feelings influence your decisions, especially when making decisions in national interest. In order to put the the history of Classical Realism into context. We need to consider where it stands in the many theories we find within international relations. I am now going to introduce the idea of Post – Positivism and Positivism. Post – Positivists believe that based on the idea that most ‘knowledge is conjectural, this research paradigm emphasizes deductive logic, or warrants, in supporting theory generation.’2 So data and evidence can be influences by not only scientific methods but social values as well. Positivists believe that social sciences are built on the same basis as natural sciences. They believe that there is a

1 Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince (Antonio Blado d'Asola, 1532) 2 Yogesh. K. Dwivedi, Handbook of Research on Contemporary Theoretical Models in Information Systems (Hershey, PA: IGI Global 2016)

clear difference between facts and figures. So it is a ‘positivism methodological belief’3 that relies on falsification or empirical validation. Positivism enables International Relations to us scientific methods that can test hypothesis through testing, observations and which then allow them to come to a final result. Classical realism favors Positivism, ‘Key figures from Thucydides onwards who have been claimed for the realist tradition have all stressed that one needs to accept what is real in the world of politics rather than grasping at some unattainable ideal’4. So Classical Realism is a theory of international relations and politics, and positivism is a methodology they are not the same, but they share specific ideas. It is important to highlight the main assumptions of Classical Realism. Firstly, Classical Realism came about after Liberalism, scholars within realism claim that it has a more realist outlook. This however is subjective, its only one view and they are others. Anarchy is the most problematic idea; states are opposed to being controlled by a sovereign figure. So creating a government has proven problematic. A second assumption is that states are the most important actors and all states are unitary. The states only act in their own interest and focus on obtaining resources. Thirdly the most important thing to the states are survival, so they may create a military, causing security dilemmas. I will explore ISIS and their rise to power, before elaborating on the assumptions I mentioned previously. ISIS is the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, more recently it is being referred to as Daesh an acronym for, al-Dawla al-Islamiya al-Iraq al-Sham, instead of the previous terms used: IS and Isil. They control the North of Syria and North – West of Iraq, they are commanded by Abu Bakr al – Baghdadi, now known as Caliph Ibrahim. They are actively working to increase the control over many more countries. The official formation of ISIS took place 2013 April when Baghdadi declared unilateral control over al – Qaeda in Iraq and Syria. He AQI to ISIS to confirm this change. This split between al – Qaeda and ISIS caused a divide between the jihadist group in Syria. In 2014 February, Zawahiri officially banished ISIS from al-Qaeda, this led to escalated warfare between the groups within Syria. The battle over territory and ideology in the jihadist movement continues up till today. Now I will elaborate more on the main theories of Classical Realism, using ISIS to highlight the strengths of how this theory is effective as an analytical framework. Many realists claim that power is the main concept in International Relations. However, this is only to some extent as the real focus is placed on military power. It is quite a straight – forward idea, whereby if a state has a powerful military standing, then they are more than capable of targeting and attacking another state for whatever specific reason. However, being seen as a strong military power can also leave the state susceptible to attacks. Kaufman reiterates power as a main assumption when he states ‘The primary obligation of every state - the goal to which all other national objectives should be subordinated is to promote its national 3 Thomas J. Biersteker, Thomas J. Critical Reflections on Post-Positivism in International Relations. International Studies Quarterly 33 (1989) 4 Robert Garner, Peter Ferdinand, Stephanie Lawson. Introduction to Politics, Oxford University Press 2016

interest and to acquire power for this purpose.’5 We can apply this theory to assess ISIS, as it is clear that power is the main focus of ISIS’ agenda. The want to to establish power in an array of territories to further their caliphates. They find using military force more effective, than alternative methods such as peaceful protest or diplomacy. I will now introduce another form of power - ‘physical power’6 as opposed to military power. Morgenthau states that: “Power may comprise anything that establishes and maintains the power of man over man …. from physical violence to the most subtle psychological ties by which one mind controls another”7 ISIS make use of physical power quite frequently they mutilate, burn and torture people often to strengthen the messages they are trying to portray, instill terror within the people and make themselves appear more powerful. The Idea of State is key factor that goes hand in hand with the idea of power. When applying it to ISIS it can highlight the good and bad aspects of the group. Focusing on the good points first - because states are the main players in International Relations, the individuals within a state can be used by the people in authority to further their agendas in the nations best interest. People in positions of authorities - the leaders, are who represent the state. So it can be said that the state is an international system. ISIS is clearly fighting for their states national interest, it is even highlighted in their name – Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. They do not value their civilians at all, they only see them as a means to further their cause. ISIS are aware that this is their public perception that they reduce their civilians to resources. But from their point of view they believe that the excessive murder and attacks, demonstrate strength, hence why they are always try to expand their army to make their state larger. This brings me onto the point of human nature as an explanation for ISIS methods of action, also it further proves Classical Realism as an effective analytical framework. While the international system stays anarchic, because of the innate need to have control over others this becomes the reason for the states behavior. In ISIS we see this behavior when they throw people off large storey buildings, and conduct live beheading all in efforts of terrifying western politicians and asserting their authority. Classical Realism has proven to be effective as an analytical framework in reference to ISIS. However, focusing on a weakness now, the name Islam State of Iraq and Syria can be proven to be quite problematic. Because although they identify themselves as a state, no other institution in the world shares this belief. The question we need to ask is: What defines a state? Firstly, a state needs designated territory and a permanent population. It also needs a government that monitors control over their designated territory. As a state is also important that other parties recognize you as a state, as its means you are included in the 5 Joyce P Kaufman, Introduction to International Relations: Theory and Practice. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2013 6 Raymond, Aron, Peace and War: A Theory of International Relations , New York: Doubleday. 1966 7Hans J Morgenthau. Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 2005

international community. So by this definition ISIS cannot be seen as a state. In reality it is a terrorist group, so in retrospect Classical Realism may not be the best analytic framework to use. I will now explore ISIS through the use of the theory Social Constructivism. This theory is seen to be quite influential in International relations, this is because the premise of this theory is that social structures and international actors are directly related. Social Constructivism focuses on social groups, governments and society in general and usually is mainly about how to effectively meet goals. Social Constructivism is relevant to ISIS as a terrorist group as terrorism is a social construction. The actors within the terrorist groups are results of discourse. Discourse is an institutionalized way of thinking; it is seen as a social boundary defining what can be said about a specific topic. So when applying this way of think to ISIS, we can assume that by recognizing themselves as a state they want to be given power and taken seriously as a player in International relational and political matters. To conclude, Classical Realism can be used as an effective analytical framework, which has been demonstrated by using ISIS as an example. However, it is not applicable to all cases, Classical Realism does not account for non – state actors. In this case it was relevant to the issues addressed. Social constructivism differs from realist theories as where it may be assumed that the identities of states and their interests are set, constructivists will assume otherwise and look for ways where the states see themselves differently and how they have changed their actions. All in all, Classical Realism was a suitable analytical framework, and anything it doesn’t cover can be explored by different approaches.

Bibliography Pashakhanlou, Arash. http://www.e-ir.info/2009/07/23/comparing-and-contrasting-classicalrealism-and-neo-realism/ July 2009 Weisenthal, Joe. Unbelievable Rise of ISIS, Business Insider, 2014 Cockburn, Patrick. ISIS Consolidates. London Book Review, Vol 36, 2014 Dwivedi, Yogesh K., Banita Lal, Michael D. Williams, Scott L. Schneberger, and Michael Wade. Handbook of Research on Contemporary Theoretical Models in Information Systems. Hershey, PA: IGI Global 2016. Biersteker, Thomas J. Critical Reflections on Post-Positivism in International, Relations International Studies Quarterly, 1989 Garner Robert, Ferdinand Peter. Lawson Stephanie. Introduction to Politics, Oxford University Press 2016

Kaufman P Joyce, Introduction to International Relations: Theory and Practice. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2013 Aron, Raymond Peace and War: A Theory of International Relations, New York: Doubleday. 1966 Morgenthau J Hans. Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 2005...