Dana Kravitz

Mark Shirk

GVPT200

Feminism

            In J. Ann Tickner’s, A Critique of Morgenthau’s Principles of Political Realism she explores Morgenthau’s realist perspective and compares it to her own feminist perspective. Tickner feels that the feminist viewpoint is more representative of the world, and I have to agree.  In the beginning of the paper Tickner lists the six principles that Morgenthau lays out in his writing and at the end of the paper she parallels this with six principles of her feminist theories of international relations. By comparing the two it is clear that Tickner’s principles, that include both masculine and feminine perspectives, are the more modern idea.

            The first principle of realism is that “politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature.” The feminist viewpoint argues that this objectivity only focuses on the “masculine view of human nature.” And because human nature is made up of both feminine and masculine, the realist principle does not work. I believe this exemplifies how realists are inhibiting themselves by only thinking about a small part of the population.

            The next realist principle is that “political realism stresses the rational, objective, and unemotional.” But, the Tickner argues, that world “demands cooperative rather than zero sum solutions.” In a world where nuclear war is a possibility with the world’s strong powers, it is important to work together rather than just jump into war. I think it is unrealistic for Morgenthau to think that there can be no emotion to go into international relations. Whether he likes it or not, everyone has a moral code and the feminist view balances both this idea with the idea of being a strong power.

            The realist perspective only sees power as “control of man over man” This “ignores the idea of collective empowerment” that the feminist principles point out. The world rules do not have to be if one country gains the other must loose. In todays world there can multiple benefactors to a countries gains. The EU is a great example of how different states can work together and not fight to be the most powerful but instead support each other.

            Realist principles explain that though they see that there is a moral code they think it is necessary to separate this from political action. Tickner disagrees with this because she feels both are important. I think that though it is important for a state to make political gains and show their political power it is also important, especially as a democratic state, to take action because it is the right thing to do. For example, though going into Syria would show the worlds powers that the U.S. is not a force to mess with, it is also important to intervene because so many civilians are dying. This conflict shows the balance between masculine and feminine ideals that a state should have.

            Though, feminist see that not all states follow the same moral code, they believe that most states do follow “universal moral principles” and these principles can lead to “de-escalating international conflict and building international community.” Realists refuse to see international relations having anything to so with morals. The feminist perspective is definitely more accurate and positive. The realist perspective expects the worst out of states. Instead, the feminist perspective acknowledges that though not all states have the same morals, it also sees a way to better the world rather than to stubbornly stick with how they have always been.

            Morgenthau’s final principle the political sphere should be autonomous and that a “political man” would be the ideal ruler because he would “be completely lacking moral constraints.” Tickner believes that this view “excludes the concerns and contributions of women. I believe that to think of a state, as being completely autonomous is unrealistic. Not only is this a completely masculine view, but also states depend on other states all the time. It is important for a state to create allies and relationships with other states. Though I agree that ones own state must come first, I think that being autonomous is a bad strategy for international relations.

            Through the comparison of Morgenthau’s and Tickner’s six principles of international relations, it is clear to me that feminism is in fact the more “realistic” view and realism is the short-sided view of the past.