Thread by @joni_askola

1/25 In a world where Realism has been compromised by the deceitful and treacherous views of scholars like John Mearsheimer, there is an urgent need for more Neo-idealism.

2/25 Realism today has been largely co-opted by figures like Mearsheimer. Although a respected scholar, Mearsheimer has made increasingly questionable statements that contradict his own theory to defend russia. He also aligns more with neorealism than classical realism.

3/25 Neorealism has surpassed classical realism in prominence. It suggests that countries—particularly great powers—operate as black boxes, each seeking to increase their strength relative to others in an anarchic world devoid of a higher authority to resolve conflicts.

4/25 In this context, great powers are the key actors seeking to become the strongest in the system, aiming for regional hegemony without nearby threats. Once achieved, they will do everything possible to prevent the rise of another regional hegemon globally.

5/25 The common arguments used by people like Mearsheimer contain significant logical flaws, not only ideologically but—more importantly—within the very theory these individuals use to support their claims.

6/25 One of Mearsheimer's most astonishing statements is that, according to him, "there is no evidence" that russia has imperial ambitions or desires to conquer Ukrainian territory.

7/25 Claiming that russia has no imperial or expansionist ambitions during the ongoing war is similar to saying that Germany had none in the fall of 1939 or 1940. It is clear that russia aims to keep Ukraine within its 'sphere of influence' and exert control over it.

8/25 Realism does not grant great powers the right to expand their sphere of influence at will. A common misconception is that russia's interests and demands should all be respected, meaning its effective veto over Ukraine's NATO membership should be considered.

9/25 The US and the West as a whole have been, in fact, acting in accordance with this theory in many ways, even if Mearsheimer does not acknowledge it due to being either a useful idiot or a russian asset.

10/25 Claiming the war is the West's "fault" due to NATO expansion ironically contradicts realism. From this perspective, the West is not to blame for following the theory's predictions—strengthening its influence over a minor power while weakening russia.

11/25 From the perspective of great power competition, the US and NATO's decision to strengthen ties with Ukraine and open NATO's doors was entirely logical.

12/25 russia initiated the conflict, not NATO or Ukraine, which were merely seeking security. Mearsheimer's argument is like blaming someone for wanting to set an alarm system to protect their jewelry; while the jewelry may attract burglars, the blame truly lies with the burglar

13/25 russia's perception of NATO as a threat doesn't obligate others to comply with its demands. The true threat for Putin lies in former Warsaw Pact countries thriving economically and securely, which endangers the russian regime, not the russian nation.

14/25 Mearsheimer also wrongly assumes russia would join the US against china, bolstering US power. Conversely, a US withdrawal from Europe would, per the theory, enhance russia's relative power, incentivizing more aggressive actions in Europe.

15/25 The paradox and irony of the narrative lie in the fact that, from a realistic standpoint, the US and the West as a whole are acting as they should by seizing the chance to weaken russia without resorting to military action or deploying American soldiers.

16/25 Mearsheimer fell victim to his theory, twisting it to fit his pro-russian narrative. According to realism, the US and the West are acting as predicted by seeking to weaken russia and curb its rise as a regional power in Europe.

17/25 When evidence is lacking, societal benefits are low, and the outcomes are grave—such as legitimizing a criminal invasion—academics like Mearsheimer should rethink the topics they choose for their global lectures.

18/25 While neorealist figures like Mearsheimer have distorted realism to defend russia's actions, alternative approaches like neo-idealism are gaining prominence. The approach was introduced by @bctallis.

19/25 Neo-Idealism is a fresh approach to (geo)politics that is inspired by the strong reactions to russian aggression from leaders like @Zelenskyy_Uaa, @kajakallas, @MarinSanna, @GLandsbergis, @JanLipavsky, and others.

20/25 Neo-idealism is a morally grounded approach to geopolitical interests that emphasizes the rights of all democratic states, including smaller nations, to self-determination—such as their ability to join integration spheres and reject spheres of influence.

21/25 In contrast to classical realism's focus on power and national interest, neo-idealism argues that moral values and ethical principles should guide international relations, encouraging states to promote global justice and peace alongside their self-interest.

22/25 This approach entails costs, yet neo-idealists are resolute in recognizing the price of freedom and are willing to pay it. Even if liberal values have been imperfectly upheld in their nations, they see these values as worth defending and renewing.

23/25 Neo-idealists recognize that a liberal order cannot survive without the means to defend itself, including military capabilities. However, without a strong moral foundation or the promise of progress, it cannot truly thrive.

24/25 Neo-idealism signals a shift toward an ethically grounded view of international relations, emphasizing cooperation, human rights, and moral considerations to promote a just and peaceful world through state collaboration and international institutions.

25/25 Sources:






newstatesman.com/ideas/2023/09/…
reddit.com/r/geopolitics/…

https://x.com/bctallis/status/1612105940441915395?lang=en

scholar.harvard.edu/files/john-rug…
english.radio.cz/benjamin-talli…
euideas.eui.eu/2022/07/11/joh…
dustmagazine.com/neo-idealism-t…
macdonaldlaurier.ca/neo-idealism-g…

@Zelenskyy_Uaa @kajakallas @MarinSanna @GLandsbergis @JanLipavsky I tagged the wrong account for @ZelenskyyUa 😅