Blog 1: Realism

Mark Russell

First Blog

Realism

            In an excerpt from Hans Morgenthau titled Six Principles of Political Realism, he gives the basic outline of international relations realism. I believe that in this paper he makes many valid points without overreaching like many of his realist counterparts. Throughout the paper, Morgenthau makes it clear that through human nature, rational decision-making and the understanding of power realism is easily workable in international relations in a fashion that I agree with.

            The first major point Morgenthau states is that political realism is “governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature” (Morgenthau 7). This opening point spoke strongly to me because I believe that there is an overarching human law that governs natural behavior. In the case of international relations, I believe that this can be seen in a realists desire to protect their livelihood. Through our lectures, I believe that this desire to a state’s good and territory can only be natural and so logically a realist would think to protect what is rightfully theirs first, then look to those around them. On the same note, these roots in human nature drive to be in control of a situation and therefore they try to gain power in their area of control.

            Power, in the words of Morgenthau is “The main signal post that helps political realism find its way through the landscape of international politics” (Morgenthau 8). For me, it is the realist’s view of power that set them apart from any of the theories that we have discussed. I concur with Morgenthau as well as many of the other realists that power is much more relative and should be focused on the area that they pertain to. However, I do not agree with Morgenthau that states “Invariably behave aggressively because they have a will to power hardwired into them,” (Mearshimer 53). I believe that states will take the power shown to them, rather than behaving aggressively in order to take it from other states.

Unlike the liberalistic, realism believes that a country should try to become the regional hegemon, a concept I am fully on board with. This ideal of regional power made more sense in comparison to the absolute power. I agree with Morgenthau in the aspects that power should be more regional because if a state tried for absolute power they would most likely overextend their resources. The liberal view is too optimistic, and throughout the lectures I found myself agreeing with the realist view. Although some may call it pessimistic, I found it to be honest and allows for rational and reasonable decision-making, which is emphasized by Morgenthau.

Morgenthau refutes the importance of rational decision making throughout his excerpt. He states, “The concept of interest defined as power imposes intellectual discipline upon the observer, (and) infuses rational order into the subject matter of politics,” (Morgenthau 8). Although it could be portrayed as selfish, I believe that the realist view of rationalism makes sense. In my mind, protecting the state’s interests should come first, followed by the greater good. Although Morgenthau doesn’t discuss it very much, many of his peers would agree, that in anarchy, states must serve their own goals and ensure the well being of their own people before extending a hand to their sphere of influence.

Although I don’t whole-heartedly agree with every aspect of realism, I do find most of its principles logical and honest, rather than overly optimistic, like liberalism. I believe that Morgenthau makes a logical argument for realism and presents it in an appealing manner to people who like rational and critical thinking, like myself.