Classical Realism; A Brief Summary

Classical realism is a theory of international relations that dates back to ancient times but was most prominently articulated in the 20th century by thinkers such as Hans Morgenthau. It is a perspective that emphasizes the competitive and conflictual nature of global politics. Here are the key points of classical realism:

1. Human Nature: Classical realists believe that the drive for power and the will to dominate are fundamental aspects of human nature. They argue that these traits are inherent and not merely the result of the international system’s structure.
2. State Behavior: States are the primary actors in international relations, and they act in their own self-interest. The ultimate goal of each state is to ensure its own survival, which often leads to power-maximizing behavior.
3. Power Politics: The international system is anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority above states. In this environment, power is the primary currency. States must rely on their own capabilities to secure their interests and survival.
4. Moral Considerations: Classical realists are skeptical about the role of morality in international politics. They argue that moral principles are often compromised by the necessities of power and survival.
5. Balance of Power: A key concept in classical realism is the balance of power, which refers to the tendency of states to prevent any one state from becoming too powerful. This can lead to alliances and counter-alliances as states seek to protect their interests.
6. Historical Context: Classical realists often use historical examples to illustrate their points, arguing that history shows a consistent pattern of power politics and conflict among states.
7. Critique of Idealism: Classical realism emerged as a critique of idealism, which posits that international relations can be guided by legal and moral norms. Realists argue that such ideals are often impractical in the face of power politics.

Classical realism has been influential in shaping the study of international relations, but it has also been critiqued and evolved over time, leading to the development of other realist theories such as neorealism or structural realism, which focus more on the structure of the international system rather than human nature.