Realist school of international relations
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 emphasizes the constraints on politics that result from humankind's egoistic nature and the absence of a central authority above the state.[1] |
” |
Realpolitik is politics based on realism, not idealism, such as democracy, communism, etc. Some call it politics divorced from morality.[2] In a piece entitled Why I am a realist, Prof. John Mearsheimer said,
| “ | Realism emphasizes that there is no higher authority in the international system that can come to your rescue if you are in serious trouble and that you cannot depend on other states to come to your aid in the crunch. Indeed, those other states might someday put their gunsights on you. After all, who can know the future intentions of another state? In those circumstances, there is no chance that international law or just war theory will save you.[3] | ” |
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/
- ↑ Why I Am a Realist, John J. Mearsheimer, Aug 25, 2024. mearsheimer.substack.com
