Realism has long been one of the most dominant theories in international relations, shaping how scholars, policymakers, and diplomats understand the global order. Rooted in a state-centric worldview, realism emphasizes power, security, and the inevitability of conflict in an anarchic international system. Over time, the theory has evolved from Classical Realism, which highlights human nature and the pursuit of power, to Neorealism, which explains state behavior through structural constraints.
{inAds}
Core Assumptions of Realism
At its foundation, realism rests on several key assumptions:
1 • State-Centric ApproachRealists argue that states are the primary actors in international politics. While international organizations, corporations, and individuals may play roles, their influence is secondary to the decisions of sovereign states.
2 • Anarchic International System
The absence of a central global authority creates an anarchic system. This does not mean chaos, but rather the lack of a higher power to enforce rules, leaving states responsible for their own survival.
3 • Primacy of Power and Security
For realists, the pursuit of power and security is the driving force of state behavior. States must rely on their own capabilities to protect sovereignty and ensure survival.
Classical Realism: Power as an End in Itself
Classical Realism, emerging in the mid-20th century, traces its intellectual roots back to ancient and early modern thinkers.
- Thucydides, in his account of the Peloponnesian War, observed that states act out of fear, honor, and interest. His famous dictum, “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must,” remains central to realist thought.
- Machiavelli emphasized the necessity of power and pragmatism in statecraft, often prioritizing security over morality.
- Thomas Hobbes described the state of nature as a “war of all against all,” a condition mirrored in international politics where no central authority exists.
Building on these foundations, Hans Morgenthau, often called the father of modern realism, argued that power is the ultimate goal of states. According to Morgenthau, human nature drives leaders to seek power, and international politics is defined by this perpetual struggle.
{inAds}
Neorealism: Power as a Means to Security
By the late 20th century, realism evolved into a more systematic and scientific form, known as Neorealism or Structural Realism, largely associated with Kenneth Waltz.
- Power as a Tool, Not an End: Unlike classical realists who viewed power as an end in itself, neorealists argue that states seek power primarily as a means to achieve security.
- Focus on Structure: Waltz shifted attention from human nature to the structure of the international system. Anarchy, not flawed human behavior, forces states to compete.
- Security Dilemma: In an anarchic system, one state’s attempt to increase security (e.g., building military strength) often threatens others, leading to an arms race and mutual insecurity.
Cooperation and Its Limits
Realism is skeptical of cooperation. While alliances and agreements may occur, they are often temporary and fragile. The security dilemma makes trust difficult, as states can never be sure of others’ intentions. International institutions, from a realist perspective, cannot override the self-interest of states.
{inAds}
Balance of Power and Stability
A central mechanism in realism is the balance of power. States seek to prevent any one actor from becoming too dominant, believing that equilibrium deters conflict and ensures relative stability. Throughout history, shifting alliances and rivalries have reflected this balancing logic.
A Pessimistic Outlook
Realism is often described as a pessimistic theory. It assumes conflict is inevitable, cooperation is risky, and morality often takes a back seat to survival. Realists argue that understanding the harsh realities of power politics is essential to navigating international affairs effectively.
{inAds}
Key Thinkers in Realism
- Thucydides – Early realist insights from the Peloponnesian War.
- Machiavelli – Politics as power, separate from morality.
- Thomas Hobbes – The anarchic “state of nature” applied to international relations.
- Hans Morgenthau – Father of classical realism; power as the ultimate goal.
- Kenneth Waltz – Founder of neorealism; focus on system structure and security.
Conclusion
Realism, whether in its classical or neorealist form, continues to shape international relations theory and practice. Its state-centric, power-driven, and security-focused perspective offers a sobering analysis of global politics. While critics argue that realism underestimates the potential for cooperation, norms, and institutions, its enduring influence underscores the relevance of power dynamics in world affairs.
Ultimately, realism serves as a reminder that in an anarchic world, survival often trumps idealism, and the pursuit of power remains a central feature of international life.
