Realism

Definition

Realism is a theory in international relations that emphasizes the competitive and conflictual nature of international politics. It suggests that states act primarily in their own national interest, often prioritizing power and security over moral or ethical considerations. This perspective is key to understanding historical events, especially during the Cold War and the expansion of military alliances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Realism emerged as a dominant theory in the aftermath of World War II, shaped by the realities of power struggles and the bipolar nature of the Cold War.
2. The Truman Doctrine exemplified realist principles by committing the United States to contain the spread of communism, prioritizing national security over ideological concerns.
3. NATO was established as a collective defense alliance underpinned by realism, reflecting the need for member states to counter perceived threats from the Soviet Union.
4. Realism posits that human nature is inherently self-interested, which translates into state behavior focused on survival and power accumulation.
5. The expansion of NATO and the EU into Eastern Europe after the Cold War can be understood through realism, as these actions were driven by strategic interests in promoting stability and countering Russian influence.

Review Questions

• How does realism explain the United States' approach to foreign policy during the Cold War?
  • Realism explains the United States' approach to foreign policy during the Cold War as a response to the perceived threat of Soviet expansionism. The U.S. prioritized its national interests and security through policies like the Truman Doctrine and containment, which aimed to limit communist influence around the world. By focusing on power dynamics and strategic alliances, realism highlights how fear of a rival power shaped U.S. actions and decisions throughout this period.
• Evaluate the role of realism in shaping NATO's formation and its subsequent expansion into Eastern Europe.
  • Realism played a crucial role in shaping NATO's formation as it was established primarily for collective defense against Soviet aggression, reflecting a pragmatic approach to international security. The expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe after the Cold War can also be understood through a realist lens, as it aimed to create a buffer against potential Russian threats while enhancing Western influence. This expansion was driven by member states' desire to ensure their own security through military alliances, illustrating key tenets of realism.
• Analyze how realism's principles apply to current geopolitical tensions between NATO and Russia.
  • Realism's principles are highly relevant in analyzing current geopolitical tensions between NATO and Russia. The focus on power politics and national interests illustrates why both sides perceive each other as threats, leading to an ongoing security dilemma. Russia views NATO's presence near its borders as an encroachment on its sphere of influence, prompting aggressive military posturing. Meanwhile, NATO countries justify their military readiness by citing Russian aggression in Ukraine and other regions. This cycle reinforces realist notions about state behavior driven by self-interest and security concerns.

Related terms

Power Politics: The practice of using political power to influence or control other states, often associated with realism as states seek to maximize their own security and influence.

Balance of Power: A principle in realism that suggests stability in international relations is achieved when military capabilities are distributed so that no one nation is strong enough to dominate all others.

Security Dilemma: A situation in international relations where actions taken by a state to increase its own security can inadvertently threaten other states, leading to an arms race or conflict.