Definition and Core Concept
Realism is a theoretical approach to International Relations that emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system, the primacy of national interest, and the role of military power in state interactions.
Core premise: International relations is a struggle for power among self-interested states in an anarchic system with no higher authority.
Key assumption: States are the primary actors; their goal is survival and security.
Classical Realism
Morgenthau's Realism (Hans Morgenthau)
Key work: "Politics Among Nations" (1948)
Core principles:
- Political realism is based on objective laws: Politics has laws based on human nature
- Concept of national interest: States pursue national interest defined as power
- Power as core: International politics is about acquiring, maintaining, using power
- Morality is limited: Ethical principles don't constrain foreign policy
- Autonomy of political sphere: Politics independent from other spheres (economics, morality)
Political power: Ability to influence behavior of others
National interest: Defined in terms of power; varies by circumstance
Implications:
- Cooperation difficult in anarchic system
- Trust is rare
- Military capabilities crucial
- National survival paramount
Characteristics of Classical Realism
Human nature basis:
- Humans naturally seek power
- States reflect human desire for power
- Conflict inevitable due to human nature
International anarchy:
- No world government
- Each state responsible for own security
- Self-help system
Balance of power:
- Mechanism to prevent one state domination
- States ally to balance stronger powers
- Shifting alliances
Great Power Politics:
- Great powers determine international outcomes
- Small states have limited influence
- Hierarchy based on power
Neorealism/Structural Realism
Kenneth Waltz's Neorealism
Key work: "Theory of International Politics" (1979)
Major revision: Shifts focus from human nature to international system structure
Core argument: International system structure (not human nature) explains state behavior
International System Structure
Anarchy as defining feature:
- No authority above states
- Each state must provide own security
- Self-help is consequence of anarchy
Distribution of capabilities:
- How power distributed among states
- Unipolar (one superpower)
- Bipolar (two superpowers)
- Multipolar (multiple great powers)
Polarity and stability:
- Neorealists debate which is more stable
- Some argue bipolarity more stable (Cold War example)
- Others argue multipolarity checks power better
The Security Dilemma
Definition: Actions taken by state to increase security paradoxically decrease security of others
Process:
- State A arms itself for security
- State B sees State A's weapons as threat
- State B arms itself in response
- State A perceives B's arming as threat
- Both less secure despite mutual arming
Implication: Even defensive actions perceived as offensive; creates arms races
Cannot be resolved unilaterally: Both sides must cooperate to reduce security dilemma