The document outlines the rationale behind the global war on terrorism according to realist international relations theory. It argues that the end of bipolarity between the US and USSR led to instability around the world. The current international system is anarchic and states prioritize survival, which can lead them to act aggressively. The growth of fundamentalism is caused by factors like globalization and a clash between Western and Islamic cultures. The war on terror aims to protect Western powers and present an image of strength, but it is not a purely realist conflict and has limitations in addressing the root causes of terrorism.

1. The Rationale behind the Global War on Terrorism

2.  Realism’s tenet – Bipolar more stable than multipolar
 When bipolarity collapses, the surrounding area falls
apart
 Massive amounts of poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa
 Also political and economic ruin in Vietnam, Cuba,
Afghanistan and Angola
 Inequality between rich West and poor Third World
 Comes to a head with 9/11

3.  International System is anarchic
 Sovereign states will develop dangerous defensive
capabilities
 States are paranoid and unsure about other states
 States want to be independent and free, so survival
comes above all else
 States are rational but can get it wrong
 Conclusion: states will lean on the side of aggression

4.  Current system is unipolar/hegemonic
 World still very dangerous to the West through
terrorism and nuclear proliferation
 “Have not” states and non-state actors want to increase
their own security and power
 Therefore for the West to protect itself it must do
whatever it takes to survive – “Self Help”
 (although Terrorism isn’t a state and therefore not of
interest to Realism!)

5.  Culture = identity
 Most notable: Western, Islamic, Indian, Chinese
 Cultural groups = “Us and them”

6.  “Prototype” secular states created to follow the West
 Secular states of the West incompatible with religious
strongholds of the Middle East
 Islam now fills in for secular political parties in most
Middle Eastern states
 Still just as splintered as any other state (Political
Islamists, Islamic Geopoliticals, Traditionalists)

7.  Fundamentalism can be caused by fear of other
cultures
 Also caused by globalisation, threat of the “Great
Satan”
 Newest (and indeed oldest) conflict a clash of
international cultures
 Helped by poor economy and a downtrodden populace

8.  GWoT is focused on bravado and minimising
impotence and weakness
 Women seen as weak and requiring protection (PFC
Jessica Lynch)
 Men seen as either brash cowboys or knights in
shining armour (George W. Bush or Spc. Pat Tillman)

9. Pro Con
 Relationship with Israel  Not strictly realist
 Oil  No link to 9/11
 Not a religious state
 Iraq wanted to keep the
heavily Islamic Iran at
bay

10. -fin-