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Great Realists in History
In the study of international relations, Realism or political realism prioritizes national interest and security over ideology, moral concerns and social reconstructions. This term is often synonymous with power politics.
Realism is the view that world politics is driven by competitive self-interest.Realist theories tend to uphold that:
The international system exists in a state of constant antagonism.
There is no actor above states capable of regulating their interactions; states must arrive at relations with other states on their own, rather than it being dictated to them by some higher controlling entity (see international anarchy).
In pursuit of national security, states strive to attain as many resources as possible.
States are unitary actors each moving towards their own national interest. There is a general distrust of long-term cooperation or alliance.
The overriding national interest of each state is its survival.
Relations between states are determined by their levels of power derived primarily from their military and economic capabilities.
The interjection of morality and values into international relations causes reckless commitments, diplomatic rigidity, and the escalation of conflict.
Sovereign states are the principal actors in the international system and special attention is afforded to large powers as they have the most influence on the international stage. International institutions, non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, individuals and other sub-state or trans-state actors are viewed as having little independent influence.
In summary, realists believe that mankind is not inherently benevolent but rather self-centered and competitive. This perspective, which is shared by theorists such as Thomas Hobbes, views human nature as egocentric (not necessarily selfish) and conflictual unless there exist conditions under which humans may coexist. This view contrasts with the approach of liberalism to international relations.
Realists believe that states are inherently aggressive (offensive realism) and/or obsessed with security (defensive realism), and that territorial expansion is only constrained by opposing power(s). This aggressive build-up, however, leads to a security dilemma whereby increasing one's security may bring along even greater instability as an opposing power builds up its own arms in response (an arms race). Thus, security becomes a zero-sum game where only relative gains can be made.
Realists believe that there are no universal principles with which all states may guide their actions. Instead, a state must always be aware of the actions of the states around it and must use a pragmatic approach to resolve problems as they arise.
Thucydides, an ancient Greek historian who wrote the History of the Peloponnesian War and is also cited as an intellectual forebearer of realpolitik.
Niccolň Machiavelli, a Florentine political philosopher, who wrote Il Principe (The Prince) in which he held that the sole aim of a prince (politician) was to seek power, regardless of religious or ethical considerations.
Cardinal Richelieu, French statesman who destroyed domestic factionalism and guided France to a position of dominance in foreign affairs.
Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher who wrote Leviathan in which he stated the state of nature was prone to a "war of all against all".
Frederick the Great, Prussian monarch who transformed Prussia into a great European power through warfare and diplomacy.
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, French diplomat who guided France and Europe through a variety of political systems.
Carl von Clausewitz, 18-19th century Prussian general and military theorist who wrote On War (Vom Kriege).
Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich, Koblenz-born Austrian statesman opposed to political revolution.
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Originally Posted by Smaland
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