by Hans J. Morgenthau, a prominent figure in the study of international relations, is best known for his work on political realism. In his seminal book “Politics Among Nations,” Morgenthau outlines six principles of political realism that serve as the foundation for understanding international politics from a realist perspective. Here are the six principles:
- Political realism believes that politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature.
- This principle asserts that international politics is not a realm of chance or chaos but is governed by laws rooted in human nature. Realists believe that these laws are immutable and can be understood through rational analysis.
2. The main signpost of political realism is the concept of interest defined in terms of power.
- Morgenthau argues that the key to understanding international politics is the concept of interest defined as power. States are primarily motivated by the desire to maintain, increase, or demonstrate their power relative to other states.
3. Realism assumes that interest defined as power is an objective category which is universally valid but not with a meaning that is fixed once and for all.
- While the concept of interest defined as power is universally applicable, its specific meaning can vary depending on the political and cultural context. What constitutes power and how it is pursued can differ across time and space.
4. Political realism is aware of the moral significance of political action.
- Realism recognizes that political actions have moral implications. However, it also acknowledges that the moral laws governing the universe are not always aligned with the moral laws of human societies. States must often make difficult moral choices in the pursuit of their interests.
5. Political realism refuses to identify the moral aspirations of a particular nation with the moral laws that govern the universe.
- This principle warns against the dangers of moral absolutism and the belief that one nation’s values and moral standards are universally applicable. Realists argue that such beliefs can lead to misguided and dangerous foreign policies.
6. The political realist maintains the autonomy of the political sphere.
- Morgenthau emphasizes that politics should be analyzed as an autonomous sphere, distinct from economics, ethics, or other areas of human activity. While these other spheres may influence political actions, they should not be conflated with the political realm.
These principles collectively form the core of Morgenthau’s political realism, providing a framework for analyzing and understanding the behavior of states in the international system. Realism, as articulated by Morgenthau, emphasizes the competitive and conflictual nature of international relations, the primacy of state interests, and the importance of power in shaping global politics.
