REALISM

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REALISM
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Origins of Realism

• The realist theory of international relations
  came into being during the time of the Great
  Depression of 1929 when the economies of the
  major powers of the world collapsed. This
  together with the rise of two brutal dictators
  gave rise to the realism theory of international
  relations. Realism presents a very negative view
  of human nature.
• The classical realist Machiavelli points out
  that it must needs be taken for granted that all
  men are wicked and that they will always give
  vent to the malignity that is in their minds when
  opportunity offers. Realists believe that nation
  states are always in conflict with each other and
  the disputes can only be resolved through war.

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Origins of Realism

• They believe that the state is the most important
  authority and all power is concentrated in the
  hands of the state. All the other non- state
  actors are unimportant and play a very limited
  role. The realists say that sates should act to
  pursue their own interests, even if that involves
  going to war with another state.
• They say that other theorists present a very
  idealistic notion of the state reject the fact
  that disputes can be solved through peaceful
  means.

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Features of Realism

• Human nature is a starting point for realism in
  international relations. Realists view human
  beings as inherently egoistic and self-interested
  to the extent that self-interest overcomes moral
  principles.
• Realists, and especially today's neorealists,
  consider the absence of government, literally
  anarchy, to be the primary determinant of
  international political outcomes. The lack of a
  common rule-making and enforcing authority means,
  they argue, that the international arena is
  essentially a self-help system.

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Features of Realism

• Insofar as realists envision the world of states
  as anarchic, they likewise view security as a
  central issue. To attain security, states try to
  increase their power and engage in
  power-balancing for the purpose of deterring
  potential aggressors. Wars are fought to
  preventcompeting nations from becoming militarily
  stronger
• Realists are generally skeptical about the
  relevance of morality to international politics.
  This can lead them to claim that there is no
  place for morality in international relations, or
  that there is a tension between demands of
  morality and requirements of successful political
  action, or that states have their own morality
  that is different from customary morality, or
  that morality, if any, is merely used
  instrumentally to justify states' conduct

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Criticisms of Realism

• . Firstly, it is said that realism mainly
  prescribes policies and aims that lead to war
  rather than peace. Realists believe that war is
  inevitable and will take place at all costs. They
  do not frame policies which can avoid war,
  because their motives can be to gain from the war
  politically, economically and socially
• Secondly critics also point out that states are
  not necessarily always in conflict with each
  other, but share common interests and common
  rules. They also ignore the role of the non state
  actors such as the NGOs which are also extremely
  important actors in a state. The liberalists
  point out that human nature is not necessarily
  evil and wicked but is generally peaceful and
  that there is scope for peace and development.

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Criticisms of Realism

• The liberalists point out that human nature is
  not necessarily evil and wicked but is generally
  peaceful and that there is scope for peace and
  development.
• Commercial liberalism promotes the idea of free
  trade and comparative advantage. They say that in
  the fast moving world of globalization nations
  are extremely dependent on each other and have to
  engage in trade. Free trade would mean that the
  nations would be dependent on each other and so
  war will be avoided.

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Conclusion

• Thus in my opinion also the realist theory of
  international relations shows very one
  dimensional approach. Many criticisms of this
  theory have been presented by other theorists as
  well. But I also think that there is some truth
  in this theory because if we see the world today
  it s categorized by conflict and chaos between
  different nations and violence and terror is
  becoming the order of the day. The other theories
  that present a critical evaluation of realism
  also have their limitations.