REALISM
Prominent among its earlier advocates were Indian scholar Kautilya, Chinese strategist Sun Tzu, and
Greek scholar Thucydides. Much later, Italian scholar Nicolo Machiavelli and English philosopher
Thomas Hobbes also contributed to the evolution of realism. Morgenthau is now considered the principal
classical realist.
1. Realism emerged as a reaction to idealism both in the classical period and in the 20th century,
after the First World War, and again during the Cold War. It derives its name from its advocates'
belief that they are realistic and look at the world as it is.
2. Realism emphasizes relations among nations, as they have been and as they are. It is not
concerned with the ideal world.
3. It is the international interpretation of human behaviour. Individuals are essentially selfish, and
they seek power to serve their interests and to prevail over others. As Morgenthau wrote in the
20th century, power is the control of men over the minds and actions of other men. And, there is
constant strife leading to conflicts and clashes between individuals having divergent interests and
seeking to acquire power. Thus, there is an ever-present struggle for power in the society. The
same is the tone of nations that are guided by the same considerations as individuals.
4. E.H. Carr, who himself was a realist, described realists as pessimists, or children of darkness, who
emphasize power and national interest. As Scott Burchill wrote, 'International realism is
characterized by conflict, suspicion, and competition between nation-states.' He also stated,
'Realism is a pessimistic theoretical tradition.
5. In their account of the conflictual nature of international politics, realists give high priority to the
centrality of the nation-state, acknowledging it as the supreme political authority. Realists argue
that states are the most important actors in the international system. They would exclude all other
actors.
6. Fundamental changes to the structure of the international system are unlikely, even if they are
needed. The apparent immutability of the international system means that it will not come to
resemble domestic liberal orders, however desirable the analogue may be.' It is argued that, for
realists, international politics is a world of recurrence and repetition, not reform or radical change.
7. Realism is a school of thought that explains international relations in terms of power. The
exercise of power by states towards each other is often called realpolitik, or just power politics.
8. The security of the state is the primary motivation for a government's actions. An unguarded state
would certainly become the victim of aggression and even assimilations.
ANCIENT REALISTS
A. KAUTILYA
1. The ancient Indian scholar-statesman Kautilya contributed to the origin of realism by making
power the focal point of his theoretical framework.
2. He concentrated on the concept of power in terms of goal attainment, leading to the development
of intricate set of rules whereby a 'conqueror' could maintain and expand his domain.
3. Propaganda, espionage and assassinations were said to be prescribed techniques of control at
home, and of subversion abroad. These ideas may appear cynical, but Kautilya would argue that
he merely accepted the reality of uncontrolled anarchy in international relations.
