ABSTRACT
Realism argues that relative power among states is central to understanding patterns of international organization (IO) and global governance. This chapter reviews the historical development of IO from a realist perspective, with a focus on the implications of polarity and hegemonic stability for contemporary world order. It examines current debates among realists and addresses key criticisms of realism in light of its ongoing skepticism about the future of contemporary world order. It argues that the ethical concerns evoked by Realism’s ongoing pessimism serve as an important check against an undue optimism that often masks deep inequalities, exploitations, and conflicts in world order. Realism provides not only a compelling explanation for IO and global governance, but also a basis from which to consider the normative biases of other perspectives.
