Leiden University Student Repository

Hofman, Michiel (2023)

International Relations: Theorising Revolutions in Realism

Master thesis | International Relations (MA)

In this paper, I explore the relationship between realist theory and the phenomenon of revolution. Realism, being one of the key IR theories and considering the inherently conflictual nature of revolutions, has surprising little to say on this topic specifically. My aim thus is to elucidate how revolutions can be understood through existing realist theory. I do this through an analysis of the key texts and authors of Classical Realism and Structural Realism, highlighting the aspects of the thought which is applicable. I wish to demonstrate that realism is a strong theoretical tool for understanding these events, and I parse out four key attributes through which to do so. Revolutions’ Amplification of material power, Challenge to the Status Quo, their Amour-Propre and their Break in Communication with other states. In all, I provide a review of Revolution and Realism thus far, identify its key theoretical tools and suggest a framework for further research.

IR

Revolution

Realism

English School

Theory

Classical Realism

Neorelism

War

Conflict

Author

Hofman, Michiel

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Global Order in Historical Perspective

Supervisors

Gerrits, A.M.W

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en