Q3. Modern realism

Question 1

Describe realism

Answer 1

Realism is the idea that States are supreme and war is an inevitable and natural result of a need for a balance of power. This does well to explain war and why it continues to persist no matter what we do to try to stop it. For realists, moral principles are doubted and the fight for survival and power trumps all.

Question 2

Why is realism ‘realistic’?

Answer 2

Realism became the dominant approach in IR since the middle of the 20th century as it offered a pragmatic explanation for the wars suffered by Europe in that time. Notably WWI and WWII. Realism is “realistic” because it offers a logical excuse for why nations and groups of nations are at odds with one another to the point of war. Realism offers the view that the only way to achieve security is to create a balance of power. Realism is “realistic” in the sense that a global balance of power is the driver behind **power politics. **

Question 3

Two main assumptions carried within the core of Power Politics:

Answer 3

1. people are essentially selfish and competitive (meaning egoism is the defining characteristic of human nature)
2. the state system operates in the contest of international anarchy in that there is nothing higher than the sovereign state.

Egois + Anarchy = Power Politics

Question 4

Is realism relevant today?

Answer 4

Yes, realism is still relevant today, however as the UN and other multinational, supranational and international organizations began gaining prominence realism started to take a back seat and liberalism gained popularity.

Question 5

Real world example for if realism is relevant today:

Answer 5

I believe realism is only partially relevant today. In light of what is happening in Ukraine, it seems realism is prevailing more than ever. Russia, feeling its sovereignty so-called threatened by Ukraine has decided to act offensively in order to protect itself on a global scale. Let us not forget in some way this is Russia’s war against the West. This is a perfect example of power politics and the fight for the balance of power. Many can also claim that realism would seek to explain the events playing out in Israel at the moment. However, in this regard, I do not believe realism paints the full picture. Through history we are coming to learn that wiping out a whole peoples is not possible (nor advised) and so in this regard Hamas’ actions against Israel looked to create a fight more than it looked to claim sovereignty.