Realist

Definition

Realism is a theoretical approach in political science that emphasizes the role of power, self-interest, and the anarchic nature of the international system in shaping the behavior of states and other actors on the global stage. Realists view the world as a competitive arena where states pursue their own interests and seek to maximize their power and security.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realists believe that the international system is inherently anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority or central government to govern the behavior of states.
2. Realists emphasize the role of power and the pursuit of national interests as the primary drivers of state behavior, rather than ideals or moral principles.
3. Realists view the world as a zero-sum game, where one state's gain in power or influence is seen as another state's loss.
4. Realists argue that states should prioritize their own security and survival above all else, and that they should be willing to use military force or other coercive measures to protect their interests.
5. Realists are often skeptical of international institutions and organizations, which they see as being ultimately subservient to the interests of the most powerful states.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of anarchy in the international system shapes the realist perspective on state behavior.
  • According to realists, the absence of a central governing authority in the international system (anarchy) leads states to prioritize their own security and survival above all else. In this anarchic environment, states must rely on their own power and resources to protect their interests, which encourages them to engage in power politics and the pursuit of national interests, often at the expense of other states. This focus on self-help and the balance of power is a core tenet of realist theory.
• Analyze how the realist emphasis on power and national interests influences their views on the role of international institutions and organizations.
  • Realists are generally skeptical of the ability of international institutions and organizations to effectively govern the behavior of states in the international system. They argue that these institutions are ultimately subservient to the interests of the most powerful states, which use them to advance their own agendas rather than to promote the common good. Realists believe that states will only cooperate with international institutions insofar as it serves their own national interests, and that these institutions cannot override the fundamental drive of states to acquire and maintain power.
• Evaluate how the realist perspective on the zero-sum nature of international relations shapes their views on the role of military force and other coercive measures in foreign policy.
  • Realists view the international system as a competitive arena where states are engaged in a zero-sum game, where one state's gain in power or influence is seen as another state's loss. This perspective leads realists to believe that states must be willing to use military force or other coercive measures to protect their interests and ensure their security. Realists argue that states should prioritize their own survival and the pursuit of their national interests above all else, even if it means engaging in actions that may be perceived as morally questionable by other actors in the international system. This emphasis on the use of power and the willingness to employ military force is a defining feature of the realist approach to foreign policy.

Related terms

Anarchy: The absence of a central authority or governing power in the international system, which leads states to rely on self-help and the pursuit of power to ensure their survival.

Power Politics: The idea that states primarily seek to acquire and maintain power, often through military force or other coercive means, in order to protect their interests and ensure their security.

National Interest: The fundamental goals and priorities of a state, which are often defined in terms of security, economic well-being, and the preservation of the state's power and influence.