Understanding Realism in International Relations

📚 Realism is a theory about power and security in international relations.

🌍 Realist states relentlessly pursue power, security, prestige, and autonomy.

❌ Realists are skeptical about interdependence and prefer self-reliance.

💡 The world is dangerous and unpredictable, and alliances can quickly change.

🌍 Realists reject the concept of a harmonious world and instead view it as tragic and filled with evil.

✨ Realists strive to make the best choices in an inherently evil world.

🌍 Realists understand that there is no natural harmony of interests in the world and promote living with diversity.

🔒 Promoting democracy often leads to quagmires and may not align with the national interest, according to realists.

⚖️ While liberals prioritize promoting human rights, realists prioritize promoting national interest in just wars.

🌍 Realism sees the world as a Hobbesian war of all against all.

🛡️ In a state of nature, there is no central authority and everyone is out for themselves.

⚠️ The danger of war is always present in international politics.