Chess pieces as nation-state flags influenced by a dominating hand.

The State vs. Global Power: How Realism Shapes Our World

Avery Sinclair in Global Affairs August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unpacking Classical and Modern Theories"

In today's rapidly changing world, understanding the core principles that guide international relations is more critical than ever. Political realism, a long-standing theory, offers a framework for analyzing the interactions between nations, emphasizing the role of power and the pursuit of national interests. But how has this theory evolved, and what are its key concepts?

Political realism suggests that in an international arena lacking a central authority, each state acts to ensure its own survival and security. This perspective, championed by thinkers like Colin Gray, posits that enduring truths about power and national interests remain relevant despite changing global trends. Realism encourages us to look beyond temporary trends and focus on fundamental drivers.

This exploration delves into the heart of political realism, examining its development and how it interprets the relationship between power and the nation-state. By understanding these concepts, we can better grasp the underlying dynamics shaping global events and the ongoing debates in international relations.

What Is Realism?

Chess pieces as nation-state flags influenced by a dominating hand.

Realism emphasizes the central role of power. The term refers to a political philosophy that views the world as it is rather than how it should be, focusing on practical considerations like power and national interest over ideological or moral goals. This tradition contrasts with other schools of thought, such as idealism, which prioritize cooperation and ethical principles.

Understanding the core of realism means recognizing its key elements:

State as Primary Actor: Realism considers the state as the main player in international relations. Other entities, such as individuals or international organizations, are secondary.
Anarchy in the International System: The absence of a global authority means each state must ensure its survival.
Rationality: Realists assume states act rationally to maximize their security and power.
Power: States seek to increase their power to protect their interests and ensure survival.
National Interest: Policymakers prioritize their nation's interests above all else.

Different types of realism have emerged over time, each providing a unique view on these core elements. The classic realism of thinkers like Hans Morgenthau emphasizes the inherent human desire for power. Structural realism, developed by Kenneth Waltz, focuses more on the structure of the international system and the distribution of power as key influences on state behavior. Neoclassical realism attempts to bridge these perspectives.

Realism Today

In conclusion, understanding political realism provides crucial insights into the dynamics of international relations. As global challenges continue to evolve, realism remains a valuable tool for policymakers and observers alike in navigating the complexities of our interconnected world. From great power competition to the resurgence of nationalism, realism offers a framework for making sense of an often-unpredictable global landscape.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What are the core tenets of political realism, and how does it differ from other schools of thought like idealism?

Political realism is a school of thought that views the world as it is, rather than how it should be. It emphasizes practical considerations such as power and national interest, prioritizing these over ideological or moral goals. Key tenets of realism include the state as the primary actor, the anarchic nature of the international system, rationality in state actions, the pursuit of power, and the prioritization of national interest. It contrasts with idealism, which values cooperation and ethical principles.

How do classical realism, structural realism, and neoclassical realism differ in their explanations of state behavior?

Classical realism, exemplified by thinkers like Hans Morgenthau, emphasizes the inherent human desire for power as a driving force in international relations. Structural realism, associated with Kenneth Waltz, focuses on the international system's structure and the distribution of power among states as the primary influences on their behavior. Neoclassical realism seeks to integrate both perspectives, considering both systemic factors and state-level variables in explaining international relations. These offer different lenses through which to understand state behavior, one focusing on human nature, another on the international structure.

According to realism, how do states behave in the international system, and why is rationality a key assumption?

Realism posits that states act rationally to maximize their security and power within the anarchic international system. This means policymakers prioritize their nation's interests above all else, seeking to increase their power to protect those interests and ensure survival. Other considerations, such as morality or international cooperation, are secondary to the state's primary goal of self-preservation. Understanding this rationality is crucial for predicting and interpreting state behavior in the global arena. However, realism does not explicitly detail the cognitive or decision-making processes within states, nor does it address the potential for miscalculation or irrationality due to internal political dynamics.

How does realism shape our understanding of global events, such as great power competition and the resurgence of nationalism?

Realism significantly impacts our understanding of global events by providing a framework that emphasizes power dynamics and national interests. It suggests that states will primarily act to ensure their survival and increase their influence, leading to competition and conflict. This perspective helps explain phenomena such as great power competition and the resurgence of nationalism. However, realism may not fully account for the role of non-state actors, such as multinational corporations or international organizations, in shaping global events.

What are some of the limitations of realism as a framework for understanding international relations, and what aspects of global politics does it potentially overlook?

While realism provides a valuable framework for understanding international relations, it has several limitations. It tends to downplay the role of morality, ethics, and international law in shaping state behavior, focusing primarily on power and self-interest. Additionally, realism may struggle to explain instances of international cooperation and the emergence of global norms. Moreover, some critics argue that realism's emphasis on the state as the primary actor neglects the influence of non-state actors and transnational forces in contemporary global politics. To complement the theory we need to look at the impacts of constructivism and liberalism.