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'''Realist''' (or '''realism''') is an [[international politics]] term which is used to describe an actor whose [[foreign policy]] methods focus on [[political power]], rather than institutions and [[international law]]. A realist prefers policies which keep, increase, or demonstrate their power. In a [[bipolar]] power organization (only two main world powers), this can lead to a [[security dilemma]].

'''Realist''' (or '''realism''') is an [[international politics]] term which is used to describe an actor whose [[foreign policy]] methods focus on [[political power]], rather than institutions and [[international law]]. A realist prefers policies which keep, increase, or demonstrate their power. In a [[bipolar]] power organization (only two main world powers), this can lead to a [[security dilemma]].

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.

Realism is opposed to idealism and utopianism, and specifically to [[Wilsonianism]].

Realism is opposed to idealism and utopianism, and specifically to [[Wilsonianism]].

Conservative foreign policies can include either realism or idealism. Idealism appears in the case of [[George W. Bush]] bringing democracy to the Middle East, or [[Barry Goldwater]], calling for a crusade to destroy Communism.  Realism appears among opponents of needless "foreign adventures," such as [[Pat Buchanan]], or when [[Richard Nixon]] opened the door to China (1971), or [[Ronald Reagan]] came to terms with the Soviet Union in 1987.

Conservative foreign policies can include either realism or idealism. Idealism appears in the case of [[George W. Bush]] bringing democracy to the Middle East, or [[Barry Goldwater]], calling for a crusade to destroy Communism.  Realism appears among opponents of needless "foreign adventures," such as [[Pat Buchanan]], or when [[Richard Nixon]] opened the door to China (1971), or [[Ronald Reagan]] came to terms with the Soviet Union in 1987.

==American history==

==American history==

American foreign policy was realist from 1776 to 1914, then shifted to idealistic or [[Wilsonian]] modes. For realists, security is based on the principle of a balance of economic and military power, and control of strategic assets (such as the Panama Canal). Realists say reliance on morality as the main determining factor in statecraft is impractical. According to the Wilsonians, on the other hand, the spread of democracy abroad as a foreign policy is key and morals are universally valid.

American foreign policy was realist from 1776 to 1914, then shifted to idealistic or [[Wilsonian]] modes. For realists, security is based on the principle of a balance of economic and military power, and control of strategic assets (such as the Panama Canal). Realists say reliance on morality as the main determining factor in statecraft is impractical. According to the Wilsonians, on the other hand, the spread of democracy abroad as a foreign policy is key and morals are universally valid.

 

==See also==

==See also==

* [[Cold War]]

* [[Cold War]]

* [[Wilsonianism]]

* [[Wilsonianism]]

==Further reading==

==Further reading==

* Berman, William C. ''William Fulbright and the Vietnam War: The Dissent of a Political Realist.'' (1988). 235 pp.

* Berman, William C. ''William Fulbright and the Vietnam War: The Dissent of a Political Realist.'' (1988). 235 pp.