Political Realism

Political realism is an approach that views international politics chiefly as a struggle among states to secure their interests under conditions of uncertainty. Because the international system is anarchic, meaning that it has no overarching authority able to guarantee every state's security, states depend heavily on their own capabilities and alliances.

Why power becomes central

For realists, the primary objective of a state is survival and the preservation of political independence. Since other states' future intentions cannot be known with certainty, even defensive policies may appear threatening, producing a security dilemma.

• States operate through self-help, maintaining sufficient capabilities to deter coercion and defend their interests.
• States assess not only absolute benefits from cooperation but also how gains may alter their power relative to others.
• The pursuit of security can produce competition, arms accumulation and changing alliances even when no state initially seeks war.

Forms and uses of power

Power is the ability to influence outcomes or resist another state's influence. It rests on military and economic capabilities, but geography, technology, diplomacy, political cohesion and credible leadership can also affect how effectively those resources are used.

• States use power for deterrence, defence, coercion, bargaining and the protection of strategic autonomy.
• A balance of power may emerge when states build capabilities or form alliances to prevent one power from dominating the system.
• International law and institutions can facilitate cooperation, but realists stress that their effectiveness depends substantially on state interests and the prevailing distribution of power.

Classical and structural explanations

Classical realism, associated with Hans J. Morgenthau, explains power politics through human drives, prudence and national interest defined in terms of power. Structural realism, associated with Kenneth Waltz, locates the main cause in international anarchy and the distribution of capabilities rather than primarily in human nature.

• Both approaches treat power as indispensable to security, although power can be a means to survival rather than an unlimited end in itself.
• Realism therefore evaluates foreign policy mainly through national interest, relative capabilities and likely consequences rather than moral intention alone.

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