Realists pay attention to the national security needs of a nation and especially to its economic advantages. Thus realists called for diplomatic recognition of the Soviet Union in 1933 because they predicted (incorrectly) it would increase trade and help the US escape the Great Depression. | Realists pay attention to the national security needs of a nation and especially to its economic advantages. Thus realists called for diplomatic recognition of the Soviet Union in 1933 because they predicted (incorrectly) it would increase trade and help the US escape the Great Depression. |