Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Realism, as a dominant school of thought in International Relations, posits that states are rational actors primarily motivated by self-interest and operate in an anarchic international system. However, its core tenets didn’t emerge in a vacuum. Several intellectual precursors, spanning centuries, laid the groundwork for this perspective. These thinkers, through their observations of human behavior and political interactions, articulated ideas about power, security, and the limitations of morality in international affairs, which would later be synthesized into the modern realist framework. Understanding these intellectual roots is crucial to grasping the historical context and enduring appeal of Realism.
Thucydides (c. 460 – c. 400 BC): The Melian Dialogue and Power Politics
Often considered the ‘father of political realism’, Thucydides, in his *History of the Peloponnesian War*, provided a starkly pragmatic account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta. His famous *Melian Dialogue* exemplifies realist thought. The Athenians, possessing superior power, demand the surrender of Melos, dismissing appeals to justice or morality. Thucydides demonstrates that in the realm of international politics, ‘the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.’ This highlights the centrality of power and the absence of objective morality in international relations.
Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527): The Prince and Political Expediency
Machiavelli’s *The Prince* (1532) is a seminal work that breaks from traditional moral philosophy in its analysis of political power. He argued that rulers must prioritize the security and stability of the state, even if it requires employing deceit, manipulation, and force. Machiavelli’s emphasis on *virtù* – the ability to adapt to circumstances and seize opportunities – and *fortuna* – the role of chance – reflects a pragmatic and amoral approach to politics. He advocated for a separation of ethics and politics, arguing that a ruler should appear virtuous but be prepared to act ruthlessly when necessary. This focus on practical effectiveness over moral considerations is a key precursor to realist thought.
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679): Leviathan and the State of Nature
Hobbes, in his masterpiece *Leviathan* (1651), presented a pessimistic view of human nature, arguing that individuals are inherently self-interested and driven by a desire for power. In the absence of a sovereign authority, life would be a ‘war of all against all’. This concept of the ‘state of nature’ is directly applicable to the international system, which realists view as anarchic – lacking a central governing authority. Hobbes’s emphasis on self-preservation and the necessity of a strong state to maintain order resonates with the realist emphasis on national security and the pursuit of power. He believed that states, like individuals, are motivated by fear and a desire to avoid destruction.
Other Influences
- E.H. Carr (early 20th century): Though a 20th-century scholar, Carr’s *The Twenty Years’ Crisis* (1939) built upon these earlier foundations, critiquing utopianism and advocating for a realist approach to international politics based on power and national interest.
- Hans Morgenthau (20th century): Often considered the founder of modern political realism, Morgenthau explicitly drew upon Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Hobbes in formulating his six principles of political realism.
| Thinker | Key Contribution | Relevance to Realism |
|---|---|---|
| Thucydides | Power politics, Melian Dialogue | Emphasis on power, self-interest, and the absence of morality in international relations. |
| Machiavelli | Political expediency, *virtù*, *fortuna* | Pragmatic approach to politics, separation of ethics and politics, focus on state security. |
| Hobbes | State of nature, self-preservation | Anarchic international system, emphasis on national security, and the pursuit of power. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the intellectual precursors of Realism – Thucydides, Machiavelli, and Hobbes – provided foundational insights into the nature of power, human behavior, and the dynamics of political interaction. Their works, though separated by centuries, share a common thread: a pessimistic view of human nature and a recognition of the centrality of power in shaping international affairs. These ideas were later synthesized and refined by 20th-century realists, solidifying Realism’s position as a dominant paradigm in the study of international relations. Understanding these historical roots is essential for appreciating the enduring relevance and complexities of the realist perspective.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.