On Realism

Realism in international relations encompasses various types or branches, each with its own emphasis on different aspects of state behavior and international politics. Here are some of the key types of realism:

1. Classical Realism:

   • Key Ideas: Classical realism focuses on human nature, power politics, and the inherent struggle for power among states. It emphasizes the role of human nature, particularly self-interest and a desire for power, in shaping international relations. This perspective is often associated with thinkers like Thucydides and Niccolò Machiavelli.

2. Neorealism (Structural Realism):

   • Key Ideas: Neorealism, also known as structural realism, shifts the focus from human nature to the structure of the international system. It argues that the anarchic nature of the international system, where there is no higher authority, drives states to seek security and power. Prominent figures include Kenneth Waltz.

3. Offensive Realism:

   • Key Ideas: Offensive realism, a subset of neorealism, contends that states are primarily driven by the pursuit of power and security. It asserts that great powers inherently seek to achieve hegemony in the international system, which can lead to competition and conflict. John Mearsheimer is a notable proponent of offensive realism.

4. Defensive Realism:

   • Key Ideas: Defensive realism, another branch of neorealism, argues that states primarily seek security rather than expansion. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance of power to deter potential aggressors. Stephen Walt is associated with defensive realism.

5. Structural Realism:

   • Key Ideas: Structural realism, as advocated by Kenneth Waltz, emphasizes the impact of the international system's structure on state behavior. It suggests that the distribution of power among states in the system influences their actions.

6. Classical Structural Realism:

   • Key Ideas: Classical structural realism is a more traditional approach within neorealism. It maintains that the distribution of power, particularly the polarity of the system (unipolarity, bipolarity, multipolarity), plays a central role in shaping international relations.

7. Balance of Power Realism:

   • Key Ideas: This perspective highlights the importance of maintaining a balance of power among states to prevent any single state from becoming too dominant. It suggests that alliances and shifting alliances are strategies used to maintain this balance.

8. Neo-Classical Realism:

   • Key Ideas: Neo-classical realism combines elements of classical realism and neorealism with domestic factors. It argues that state behavior is influenced not only by international factors but also by domestic politics and the leadership's perceptions and actions.

These various types of realism offer different lenses through which scholars and analysts can interpret and understand the behavior of states in the international system. They reflect the evolution of realist thought and provide nuanced perspectives on the dynamics of international politics.