Realism in International Relations

The failure of idealistic approaches to international relations, like the League of Nations, to prevent World War II led to a new theory: Realism.

Realism prioritizes national security and survival above all else. It assumes states are inherently self-interested and will act to protect their interests.

Realism is skeptical about the possibility of progress in international relations. It contrasts with liberal views that believe in international cooperation and institutions.

Realism emphasizes a pessimistic view of human nature. It posits that humans are inherently self-interested and driven by power.

Realism sees conflict as inherent to the international system. States are in a constant struggle for power and security, leading to conflict as the inevitable outcome.

Realism emphasizes the importance of power in international relations. States seek to increase their power relative to other states to ensure their survival and security.

Realists focus on understanding the state as the primary actor in international relations. They prioritize the state's actions and interests above other actors like individuals or organizations.

Realism emphasizes the importance of understanding the international system as an anarchic structure, lacking a central authority to enforce rules or provide security.

A pessimistic view of international relations, focusing on states' inherent self-interest, pursuit of power, and security in a system without a higher authority.

A core belief in realism that the international system lacks a central authority and is characterized by anarchy.

Realists believe that states can never have enough power and are constantly striving to increase it.

Realists argue that states cannot rely on other states, international organizations, or agreements for their security but must rely on their own strength.

The idea that states are inherently self-interested and will always prioritize their own well-being over the common good.

In realism, humans are inherently self-interested and driven by a desire for power and security.

Realism contrasts with liberalism by rejecting the idea that interdependence leads to peace. Realists believe that interdependence weakens states and makes them more vulnerable.

The primary goal of a state's actions in international affairs is to protect and advance its own interests.

The idea that states are not equal in power and influence, with some holding significantly more sway than others.

The most powerful states in the international system, holding significant military, economic, and political resources.

A perspective on international relations that emphasizes the constant struggle for power and security among states, driven by self-interest and a focus on survival.

The primary values that guide state actions, ensuring its safety and long-term existence.

The belief that the state is essential for the well-being of its citizens, providing security and stability without which life would be difficult and short.

The ultimate guide to foreign policy decisions, prioritizing the interests of the state above all else.

A theory in realism that states constantly strive for power to maintain their security, creating a balance of power and preventing any one state from dominating the rest.

Morgenthau believed that politics, just like society, is driven by fundamental laws rooted in human nature.

Morgenthau emphasized that the pursuit of power, or the "animus dominandi," is a fundamental human drive.

Morgenthau argued that the independent state is the ultimate space for security, as it's the only entity capable of guaranteeing protection from external threats.

Morgenthau believed that human nature inevitably leads to conflict, with states constantly vying for power and a secure position within the international system.

Morgenthau, drawing on Thucydides and Machiavelli, argued for a distinct morality for the public sphere, one where actions are acceptable in the pursuit of national interest, even if they wouldn't be in the private sphere.

Morgenthau argued against idealistic approaches that emphasized international cooperation and goodwill, believing instead that power and national interest should be the guiding principles of foreign policy.

Morgenthau believed that conflict was inherent in the international system, with states constantly vying for power and security, leading to inevitable conflict.

A theory of international relations that emphasizes the importance of national interest, power, and security in an anarchic world order.

Realism prioritizes a state's security and survival above all else, even if it means sacrificing morality for the sake of power.

Realists believe states should prioritize increasing their power relative to other states to ensure their survival and security.

Realists view the international system as a competition for power, with states constantly trying to dominate others.

The idea that the nation is the most important political unit, and the state is the main actor in international relations.

Realists emphasize the importance of national interests, meaning that states should prioritize their own well-being and security above the common good.

The belief that political ethics are distinct from personal ethics, and that states must prioritize national interest even if it means compromising morality. This contrasts with the idealist view of applying personal ethics to international relations.

Realpolitik prioritizes national interests and power over universal moral principles. It assumes that states are inherently self-interested and will act in their own best interest even if it means contradicting moral norms.

Rejecting the idea that ethical standards for individuals should apply to nations. Instead, states must make decisions based on what is beneficial for their survival and well-being, even if those choices conflict with individual morality.

The core idea that states are self-interested actors in an anarchic system with no higher authority. This means states must pursue their own interests and security, regardless of international morality or ethics.

The idea that the pursuit of national interest, even if it involves morally questionable actions, is acceptable, provided it safeguards the nation's security and well-being.

Recognizing that international politics often forces difficult choices between competing moral values. It accepts that evil actions might be necessary to prevent a greater evil, emphasizing the inevitability of moral dilemmas in international relations.

The idea that political ethics is based on the nature of power politics and the pursuit of national interest. Leaders must make pragmatic decisions based on the realities of power, even if those decisions conflict with personal morality.