ABSTRACT
Most decision-makers still see world politics though the lenses of realism. It is intuitively comprehensive, simple and powerful. What are foundations, strengths and weaknesses of the most influential paradigm?
This chapter is about understanding international politics in realist terms. The approach, which started with observations and philosophical ideas of Thucydides, Hobbes and Richelieu, evolved into a detailed theory. It put states in the center, believes in egoism and force, as well as assumes states seek security. Unlike abstract philosophical constructions, however, a modern theory of realism and neorealism are about more specific assumptions and prescriptions. Most of the states, intentionally or not, still demonstrate significant portion of realism in their foreign policies and face security consequences of being too obsessed with security.
