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Understanding Realism in International Politics

Realism in international politics critiques idealism, emphasizing power dynamics, human rationality, and state interests. Founding thinkers like Carr and Morgenthau focused on power and competition. Lessons include prioritizing interests over ideology and coexisting powers. Key elements are state survival, raison d'état, and the dual moral standard. Critics argue its limitations in accounting for regional integration, humanitarian intervention, and the evolving role of states.

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Understanding Realism in International Politics

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  1. Realism Packet Pg 86-89

  2. Criticisms Realists had of Idealists • They ignore the role of power • They overestimate the degree to which humans are rational • They mistakenly believe that nation-states share sets of interests • Overly optimistic re: ending concept of war

  3. Founding thinkers of Realism • EH Carr, H. Morgenthau, R. Nieburh • Older guys (waaay back): Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes • All focused on the broad pervasiveness of power and competition

  4. Lessons of Realism to statesmen • Focus on interests instead o ideology • Seek peace through strength • Great powers can coexist even if diametrically opposed in value systems

  5. Raison d’etat • States’ first law of motion: • “It tells the statesman what he must do to preserve the health and strength of the state.” • The state must pursue power to ensure state survival

  6. Ethics and Morality According to Realism • Statesman’s morality = political necessity and prudence • Justified? • Are we okay with this dual moral standard?

  7. Key Element of Int’l Politics = … • For Thucydides: • the polis/citystate • For modern realists: • The state • “The state is a legitimate representative of the will of the people”

  8. Hans Morganthau • “Int’l politics, like all politics, is a struggle for power.” • Key difference between int’l and domestic politics: • The different organizational structures in which they exist

  9. Terms • Statism • Anarchy • Power • National interest • Self-help • Balance of Power

  10. Criticisms of Realism • It can’t account for: • regional integration • Humanitarian intervention • Growth of security communities • Growth of intra-state war in the global south • The state’s decline as the key actor in int’l politics

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