Realism (Pols 207)

Introduction

Realism is one of the major approaches used in comparative politics and international relations to explain how and why states behave the way they do in the international system. It emphasizes power, national interest, and survival as the primary concerns of states. Realism sees the international system as anarchical—meaning there is no central authority above states—therefore states must rely on their own power to survive and compete.

Meaning and Explanation of Realism

Realism is an approach that prioritizes the maximization of power by states in order to survive in an international system that is conflictual and lacks a central government. Because of this condition, states constantly compete politically, economically, and militarily.

Realism pays special attention to foreign policy analysis, focusing on how states act to protect and promote their national interests. From an empirical perspective, realism uses foreign policy decisions to explain state behavior, especially among powerful nations.

For example, the Abduction of the Venezuelan President by the USA was influenced by strategic calculations, costs, and national interest. Similarly, powerful states sometimes carry out military operations in other countries, such as counter-terrorism actions, in order to protect their security interests– for instance the USA bombing of Sokoto in 2025.

Realism therefore explains that the quest for power is necessary for survival, protection, and maintenance of national interest.

Origin of Realism

The roots of realism can be traced to the ancient Greek historian Thucydides in his study of the Peloponnesian War, where he explained how power and self-interest shaped state behavior.

Destruction of the Athenian Army in Sicily during the Peleponnesian War, 413 B.C.

Modern realism gained prominence in the mid-20th century, especially after the failure of the League of Nations to prevent World War II. This failure convinced scholars that peace could not be maintained only through international cooperation.

Major proponents include:

• E. H. Carr
• Hans J. Morgenthau

They argued that states must depend on their own power to protect their interests in an anarchical world.

Hans J Morgenthau 

Types of Realism

1. Classical realism

Classical realism is the type advocated by Hans J. Morgenthau in which he attributes conflict to the human factor or human nature.

His belief is that human nature is inherently selfish, power-seeking, and conflict-prone, thereby making conflict occur perpetually.

He finally identifies human nature as the basis for power struggle in the international system.

2. Neo-realism (Structural realism)

Neo-realism was propounded by Kenneth Waltz.

Neo-realism relies on the structure of the international system, not human nature, to explain state behaviour.

It explains how states are compelled to act in a competitive and self-help manner because of the anarchic nature of the international system (absence of world government).

Neo-realism is also known as Structural realism.

Neo-realists argue that the distribution of power (polarity — bipolar, multipolar, unipolar) determines state behaviour.

3. Neo-classical realism

Neo-classical realism is the combination of structural factors and domestic variables to analyze and interpret the different foreign policies of countries.

This approach is of the view that although anarchy exists in the global system, state response to it is influenced by domestic factors, such as:

• Leadership perception
• State-society relations
• Strategic culture
• Elite consensus
• Domestic political structure

All these shape foreign policy formulation and execution.

Neo-classical realism says: anarchy provides pressure, but domestic factors determine how states respond to that pressure.

Offensive realism

John J. Mearsheimer is known to be the main proponent of Offensive realism.

He argues that:

States tend to maximize power in order to achieve hegemony (dominance), not just to ensure survival.

According to him, the ultimate goal of states is to become regional or global hegemons, because this is the best way to guarantee security.

Basic Assumptions of Realism

1. The State is the Main Actor

Realists believe the state is the most important actor in inter

national politics. Internal factors such as leadership, perception, and state-society relations influence foreign policy.

For example, John Mearsheimer, the proponent of Offensive Realism, argues that states naturally seek to maximize power in order to ensure their security and dominance.

2. The Primary Objective of the State is Survival and Power

States aim to secure their existence and strengthen their position in the international system. Power helps them protect national interests.

3. The International System is Anarchical

There is no world government above states. Because of this, each state must protect itself.

This lack of authority leads to fear, competition, and mistrust among states.

4. Conflict is Inevitable

Conflict occurs because:

• States have different interests
• States compete for power
• Powerful states seek dominance

This makes struggle unavoidable in international politics.

Advantages of Realism

Realism helps to:

• Explain foreign policy decisions of states
• Understand power competition among nations
• Explain why powerful countries sometimes ignore the United Nations when pursuing their national interests
• Understand global conflicts and rivalries

Criticism of Realism

Realism has been criticized because:

• It underestimates international cooperation
• It ignores the importance of international organizations
• It neglects the role of non-state actors like NGOs
• It focuses too much on power and conflict

It does not fully explain peaceful relations between states.

Conclusion

In conclusion, realism remains one of the most important approaches in comparative politics and international relations. It explains that states operate in an anarchical system where survival, national interest, and power are the primary goals. Although realism has limitations, it is very useful in explaining global conflicts, foreign policy decisions, and power struggles among nations. Contemporary realism continues to explain rivalry among powerful states, especially in matters concerning security and global influence.