Realism in International Relations

Realism is an approach to international relations that explains world politics primarily as a struggle among states for security and power. It views the international system as anarchic, meaning that no central authority stands above sovereign states to reliably protect them.

Core assumptions

• States are the principal actors because they possess sovereignty, command organised force and make decisions concerning war, peace and security.
• The absence of a world government creates anarchy, under which states cannot be certain about the intentions or future conduct of others.
• Survival and security are the primary objectives of states; other goals become difficult to pursue if political independence is lost.
• States therefore rely on self help, building their own capabilities or entering alliances rather than depending completely on external protection.
• Power, especially material and military capability, is central because it enables states to deter threats and influence outcomes.
• Realists generally treat states as strategic actors pursuing national interest, although domestic politics may affect how that interest is defined.

Systemic consequences

Anarchy and uncertainty generate persistent competition even when states do not actively seek conflict.

• Measures taken by one state to increase its security can make others feel less secure, producing the security dilemma and arms competition.
• States use alliances and internal military strength to maintain a balance of power against stronger or threatening states.
• Cooperation is possible, but concern about cheating, dependence and relative gains can restrict its depth and durability.
• War is not considered inevitable at every moment, but the possibility of force remains a permanent feature of international politics.

Major realist explanations

• Classical realism, associated with Hans J. Morgenthau, connects power politics partly with human nature and defines interest in terms of power.
• Structural realism, associated with Kenneth Waltz, explains recurring competition mainly through international anarchy and the distribution of capabilities.
• Realism does not necessarily reject morality, but it gives priority to prudence, survival and the responsibilities of political leadership over abstract universal prescriptions.

How UPSC asks this

UPSC may test concepts such as anarchy, self help, national interest, balance of power and the security dilemma in prelims. In mains, realism can be used to analyse foreign policy, great power competition, alliances and the limits of ethics in international politics.