Course: International Relations
Unit: Foundations of International Relations
Stephen Waweru
TOPIC TWO: THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS I
– REALISM
1. INTRODUCTION TO REALISM IN INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
Realism is one of the oldest and most influential theories in the field of International Relations
(IR). It focuses on the competitive and conflictual side of international politics, emphasizing the
anarchic nature of the international system, the centrality of states, and the pursuit of power.
I. DEFINITION AND CORE PREMISE
Realism is a major school of thought in International Relations (IR) that views global politics as
a continuous power struggle among self-interested states in an anarchic international system. It
posits:
Anarchy: The international system lacks a central authority.
Statism: States are the primary, rational actors.
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, Survival: The chief goal of every state is security and survival.
Self-help: In an anarchic system, states must rely on themselves.
II. KEY ASSUMPTIONS OF REALISM
Assumption Explanation
States are the main actors, with sovereignty and decision-making
State-Centrism
autonomy.
Anarchy There is no supranational authority to enforce rules or ensure security.
Rational Egoism States act rationally in pursuit of their national interests.
Power Politics Power (especially military) is central to international relations.
Security Dilemma States’ efforts to secure themselves often lead to insecurity in others.
Relative Gains States prioritize gaining more than others, not absolute gain.
No Universal
Ethics are subordinate to the pursuit of national interest.
Morality
III. HISTORICAL ROOTS AND KEY THINKERS
Thinker Contribution
Thucydides (5th c.
History of the Peloponnesian War—power politics and fear drive war.
BCE)
Niccolò Machiavelli The Prince—statecraft requires pragmatism, not morality.
Thomas Hobbes Leviathan—the natural state of man is war; authority needed for order.
Jean-Jacques Humans are corrupted by society; international politics mirrors
Rousseau anarchy.
War is a continuation of politics by other means—emphasis on hard
Carl von Clausewitz
power.
E.H. Carr The Twenty Years’ Crisis—first systematic realist critique of idealism.
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Unit: Foundations of International Relations
Stephen Waweru
TOPIC TWO: THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS I
– REALISM
1. INTRODUCTION TO REALISM IN INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
Realism is one of the oldest and most influential theories in the field of International Relations
(IR). It focuses on the competitive and conflictual side of international politics, emphasizing the
anarchic nature of the international system, the centrality of states, and the pursuit of power.
I. DEFINITION AND CORE PREMISE
Realism is a major school of thought in International Relations (IR) that views global politics as
a continuous power struggle among self-interested states in an anarchic international system. It
posits:
Anarchy: The international system lacks a central authority.
Statism: States are the primary, rational actors.
Page 1 of 7
, Survival: The chief goal of every state is security and survival.
Self-help: In an anarchic system, states must rely on themselves.
II. KEY ASSUMPTIONS OF REALISM
Assumption Explanation
States are the main actors, with sovereignty and decision-making
State-Centrism
autonomy.
Anarchy There is no supranational authority to enforce rules or ensure security.
Rational Egoism States act rationally in pursuit of their national interests.
Power Politics Power (especially military) is central to international relations.
Security Dilemma States’ efforts to secure themselves often lead to insecurity in others.
Relative Gains States prioritize gaining more than others, not absolute gain.
No Universal
Ethics are subordinate to the pursuit of national interest.
Morality
III. HISTORICAL ROOTS AND KEY THINKERS
Thinker Contribution
Thucydides (5th c.
History of the Peloponnesian War—power politics and fear drive war.
BCE)
Niccolò Machiavelli The Prince—statecraft requires pragmatism, not morality.
Thomas Hobbes Leviathan—the natural state of man is war; authority needed for order.
Jean-Jacques Humans are corrupted by society; international politics mirrors
Rousseau anarchy.
War is a continuation of politics by other means—emphasis on hard
Carl von Clausewitz
power.
E.H. Carr The Twenty Years’ Crisis—first systematic realist critique of idealism.
Page 2 of 7
