Six Principles About Realist Approach Expounded by Hans J. Morgenthau
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Saman KhanSix Principles About Realist Approach Expounded by Hans J. Morgenthau
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Six Principles about Realist Approach expounded By Hans J. Morgenthau
- politics is governed by objective laws which are based on human nature and
psychology. We can understand the global problems by developing an approach
basedon human psychology.
- He lays great emphasis on the importance of national interests which he defines in
terms of power.
- He holds that interest is not fixed and is molded by the environment. Thus, he
assignsimportant role to the International environment.
- He asserts that universal moral principles cannot be applied to the actions of state, and
these must be modified according to the circumstances of time and space. He says that
state is not expected to observe the same standards of morality as are observed by the
individuals. The individual may sacrifice himself in defense of moral principles, but the
state has no right to sacrifice itself for moral principles.
- it is the national interest which saves the nation from political folly and moral excess.
- finally, he says that political sphere is as autonomous as the sphere of the economist.
The states think in terms of interest as economists in terms of economy.
Assumptions or Key Features of Realist Theory
- The realists believe that world is Anarchical, and it tends to be Anarchical because like
an individual states are selfish, uncooperative and aggressive. They would always try to
pursue for power, national interests and ambitions and self-defense and that
consequently the ambitions of states or the clashes of national interests have made
international politics a fertile ground for conflict. Hobbes sums it up this way: the war
of all against all.
- The realists holds the view that states cannot completely get rid of conflicts or
possibility of War.
- Accept the inevitability of war and pursue the necessary preparations for conflict.
- Conflicts can be resolved through War.
- State is a key actor.
- States are motivated by a drive for power, security and pursuit of the national interest.
- For realists, the main form of power is military or physical power.
- Human nature can be said to be inherently selfish and constant. As a result, humans
will act to further their own interests even to the detriment of others, which can
oftenlead to conflict.
Major Philosopher of this theory ?
Thomas Hobbes- Nicolo Machiavelli- Henry Kissinger- Hans J. Morgenthau
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Conclusion
Hence the international system is anarchical, and security must be the dominant
motive of any state. The members of a state may wish to be moral, and not
pursue the tough- minded security-based policies. They may wish to be more
peaceful. Similarly, they may wish to pursue some ideological or religious
agenda. To do so, however, will be self-defeating. They will be dominated by
some other power with less altruistic aims. Itis also evident that a contest for
power is going on in the world and this can neither be controlled nor regulated
by international law or world government or an international organization.
Liberalism: An Approach of IR
Liberalism is one of the main schools of international relations theory.
Liberalism comes from the Latin word liber meaning "free", referred originally
to the philosophy of freedom. It is one of the oldest theoretical schools of IR and
focuses on the best wayto create a more just and peaceful international order.
Liberalism Revolve around three Principles:
-Rejection of power politics as the only possible outcome of international
relations; it
questions security/warfare principles of realism.
- It accentuates mutual benefits and international cooperation.
-It implements international organizations and nongovernmental actors for
shaping state
preferences and policy choices
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Emphasizes three factors that encourage more cooperation and less conflict among
states:
- International institutions, such as the United Nations, who provide a forum to
resolvedisputes in a non-violent way.
- International trade because when countries' economies are interconnected through
trade, they are less likely to go to war with each other.
- Spread of democracy as well-established democracies do not go to war with one
another, so if there are more democracies, interstate war will be less frequent
Major Philosopher:
-Immanuel Kant
- Adam smith
-David Ricardo
-Jeremy Bentham
- john lock
Liberal theorists can be classified into further three categories
-Sociological liberals highlight transnational non-governmental ties between
societies, suchas communication between individuals and between groups.
- Institutional liberals underscore the importance of organized cooperation
between states.
- Republican liberals argue that liberal democratic constitutions and forms
of governmentare of vital importance for inducing peaceful and cooperative
relations between states
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Assumptions/ believes/ characteristics:
- The liberalists see a strong bond in democracy, peace, commerce, law,
institutions andalliances and the import of all these in the prevention of
conflict and anarchy.
- They see that democratic systems are more likely to promote an
international environmentof peace, friendship and cooperation that will
promote a prosperous commerce and trade.
- According to Liberalism, interdependence makes actors less likely to
engage in violentconflict because it generates a harmony of interests that
encourages cooperation betweeninternational actors and makes
competition and conflict less likely.
- While people rationally pursue their own interests, there is a potential
harmony of interestsbetween people.
- Individual liberty is of supreme political importance
- A positive view of human nature .
- A conviction that international relations can be cooperative rather than
conflictual.
- a belief in progress.
- Conflict and War are not inevitable; when people employ their reason, they
can achievemutually beneficial cooperation not only within states but also
across international boundaries.
- War is an evil that must be avoided whenever possible.
Conclusion
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