Date of Award
4-1999
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. William A. Ritchie
Second Advisor
Dr. Alan C. Isaak
Third Advisor
Dr. Peter Renstrom
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The thesis is an archival study of international relations. This thesis will analyze the Machtpolitik, or power politics, doctrine from its beginnings in Plato's Republic to the present day. In considering this evolution the thesis will seek to address the following three main questions. First, does traditional machtpolitik doctrine still exist today? Second, has the rise of democratic systems of government limited the effectiveness of diplomacy? Third, what are the causes of international instability? The debate over these questions in modern times is framed by three main factions: Idealists, Descriptive Realists, and Normative Realists. Each of these positions will be discussed in the thesis and the conclusion will present Friedrich Nietzsche as an unique exemplar of the idealist school.
Recommended Citation
Abendshein, Brian, "The Machtpolitik Doctrine from Antiquity to Present" (1999). Masters Theses. 5016.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/5016