The Political Theory of Realism

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THE POLITICAL THEORY OF REALISM An Introduction to Realism Realism is one of the tradition paradigms or political theories present in the study of International Relations (IR) that seeks to not only explain events occurring in the International system but to anticipate them as well. There have been many different approaches to the realist political theory by different scholars throughout the ages, however, its general tenets remain the same. Realists and realism often take a more pragmatic view to world affairs and the international system. It claims that, firstly, man is inherently evil or at the very least quite selfish. Man will always seek to save himself first then another, and even then only if it suits him. Secondly, realism advocates that the state is the most important actor in the international system and not international organizations as the idealists persist. Because the state is the primary actor and it is also selfish, it will always seek to further its own national interests first which are influenced by the same’s domestic policies and interests. Power is the ultimate prize and the ultimate weapon. Realists also assert that the international system is massively anarchic. There are always constant squabbles among states and disputes and because the state is the most important actor in the international system, there is no body that can actually oversee and regulate their interactions. States will always seek to maintain power and because of this, states must remain pragmatic in their reactions to other states during interactions or disputes as the state is the only one that can regulate its own actions. Should the state prove to be too weak to hold on to power then other states can quite easily usurp its power. There are many versions of realism present today in the academic fields and the international system, many having being
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