Realism (international relations)

Portrait of Niccolò Machiavelli by Santi di Tito

Realism in international relations is a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the competitive and conflictual side of international politics. It is one of the oldest and most central theories of international relations. Realism suggests that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no central authority above states. States are the primary actors in international politics, and their main interest is survival. This leads them to act out of self-interest, power, and security considerations.

Origins and Development

The roots of realism can be traced back to the works of ancient philosophers such as Thucydides, but it was not formally established until the 20th century. Modern realism began to emerge in response to the idealism of the interwar period, which had failed to predict or prevent the outbreak of the Second World War. Key figures in the development of realism include E.H. Carr, who criticized the idealist approach in his work "The Twenty Years' Crisis," and Hans Morgenthau, who further developed realist theory in "Politics Among Nations," emphasizing the role of power in international relations.

Key Principles

Realism is based on several key principles:

• Anarchy: The international system is anarchic, as there is no overarching authority to enforce rules or norms.
• State Centrism: States are the main actors in international politics, each acting in its own interest.
• Rational Actors: States are rational actors that make strategic choices based on the costs and benefits of actions.
• Power Politics: The pursuit of power and security is the primary goal of states in an anarchic international system.
• Survival: The primary concern of states is survival, leading to a self-help system where states must rely on their own capabilities to ensure their security.

Realist Theories

Realism can be divided into several sub-theories, each with its own focus and assumptions:

• Classical Realism: Focuses on human nature as the source of states' desire for power and security.
• Structural Realism or Neorealism: Introduced by Kenneth Waltz, it emphasizes the international system's structure over the nature of individual states.
• Offensive Realism: Suggests that states are inherently aggressive and seek to maximize their power.
• Defensive Realism: Argues that states are primarily concerned with maintaining their security rather than increasing their power.
• Neoclassical Realism: Combines the insights of classical realism with the structural factors emphasized by neorealism.

Criticism and Debate

Realism has been subject to various criticisms. Critics argue that realism is too pessimistic and overlooks the role of international institutions, cooperation, and the influence of domestic politics and society on state behavior. Furthermore, realism's focus on power and security is seen as inadequate to explain the complexities of international relations, including economic and environmental issues.

Impact and Relevance

Despite criticisms, realism remains a dominant theory in international relations. It provides a framework for understanding international conflicts, alliances, and power dynamics. Realism also influences foreign policy decision-making, with realist principles often guiding states' approaches to security and diplomacy.