(
realpolitik) This theory of
international relations draws heavily from thinkers like
Machiavelli and
Hobbes. Generally contrasted with
idealism, it is marked by a degree of
pessimism about
human nature. Key
axioms of realist theory include:
1. Each state must protect its territory and interests at any cost.
• Politics is aimed at acquiring, pursuing and increasing
power in order to use it.
• There are no universal
ethics.
•
National security issues are always of prime importance.
2. All states seek power, especially
military power.
• Nothing else guarantees their survival and security.
• Sovereignty enshrines the principle of self-help in an
anarchical environment
3. The world is governed by
the law of the jungle
• The purpose of
statecraft is survival in a hostile environment.
4. Relations between and among states are defined by
amoral calculations
5. The principal actors in
international relations are states.
• States are
rational, calculating units that pursue their interests.
• States must moderate their quest for power because everyone else is also after it.
• Prudence and pragmatism are vital traits.
6. Respect for
moral principles is wasteful and potentially dangerous.
There are also a number of
assumptions behind realist theory:
1. People are
amoral.
2. The lust for power is prevalent among all people.
3. The possibility of eliminating the lust for power is a
utopian fantasy.
4. I
nternational politics is the
struggle for power.
5. Survival is the goal of every state.
6. The
anarchical international system necessitates the acquisition of
military power sufficient to
deter attack.
7.
Economics is less relevant to
national security than military power.
• Economics still plays an important role.
8.
Allies may assist in defence, but should never be trusted completely.
9. Self-protection should never be entrusted to an
international organization or law.
10. If all states seek to maximize power, a stable
balance of power will evolve.