The "realist school" of international relations is an Anglicization of the German term "Realpolitik" popularized by Otto von Bismarck and associated with Machiavellian tactics, which may include either a pragmatic or otherwise non-ideological approach to achieving political ends. Other famous realists were John Mearsheimer and Henry Kissinger.
The leading international relations website E-International Relations describes the realist school of international relations thusly:
“ | The first assumption of realism is that the nation-state (usually abbreviated to ‘state’) is the principle actor in international relations. Other bodies exist, such as individuals and organisations, but their power is limited. Second, the state is a unitary actor. National interests, especially in times of war, lead the state to speak and act with one voice. Third, decision-makers are rational actors in the sense that rational decision-making leads to the pursuit of the national interest...
Realism is a theory that claims to explain the reality of international politics. It emphasises the constraints on politics that result from humankind's egoistic nature and the absence of a central authority above the state.[1] |
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Realpolitik is politics based on realism, not idealism, such as democracy, communism, etc. Some call it politics divorced from morality.[2]
See also
External link
- Great power rivalries: the case for realism, John J. Mearsheimer
References
- ↑ Introducing Realism in International Relations Theory by Sandrina Antunes and Isabel Camisão, February 27, 2018
- ↑ https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/history/european-history/realpolitik/