Realism

Sociology | Mercantile Law | International Law | International Relations

Realism is the approach of International Relations that works as anti – thesis to Liberalism. Realism focuses on the more realistic, power oriented and state centric principles that play important role in international relations. Realism lays emphasis upon gaining national power to pursue national interests at all costs.

Proponents of Realism Approach
Among the classic proponents of Realism, also regarded as its founders, following names fall;

  • Nicolo Machiavelli
  • Thomas Hobbes
  • Clausewitz

Modern scholars that favor Realism as a better approach in International Relations are;

  • Hans Morgenthau
  • George F. Kenan
  • E. H. Carr

Origin of Realism as Approach of International Relations
Formal origin and incorporation of Realism as an approach in the International Relations was seen at the end of the Second World War. Liberalism failed in all its utopian schemes to bring peace to the world. States fought another Total War. Following that the approach of Realism sought grounds. If seen in the distant past, Realism finds its origin in writings of Machiavelli as well as Thomas Hobbes.

Fundamental Postulates of Realism
Following were the fundamental postulates drafted by various scholars under the umbrella of Realism;

  • There exists international anarchy.
  • States are the principal actors in international relations.
  • States pursue national interests.
  • States tend to accumulate national power.
  • States strengthen the means of their survivals.
  • National power and national interests determine the relations between states.
  • States need to compete each other for seeking relative gains in the international realm.
  • War is an option in the international relations.

Realism and Six Principles of Hans Morgenthau
Hans Morgenthau’s Six principles of Realism are taken as eminent work in this field of International Relations. His six principles give the ideas of;

  • National power
  • State centrism
  • National interests
  • Autonomy
  • Survival
  • Beyond morality approach of state

Criticism on Realism as Theoretical Approach of International Relations
Realism is criticized for its extreme emphasis on state centrism, power grabbing and national interests at the costs of world peace. The theory is realistic but leads the world states into an anarchic position where everyone is at war against the other. It does not eliminate war as an option in the international relations.

Conclusion
International Relations seeks Realism as among the influential classical approaches. Realism talks about the aboriginal and realistic basis of international relations. It is criticized for its extreme version but the theory completely rejects the utopian postulates of idealism. Realism does not take cooperation as an option because according to its proponents, world is anarchic where intense competition is inevitable to maintain national power.