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Realist Theory Of Realism

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Realism is arguably one of the most well-grounded, widely interpreted

Intro to Realism
A great majority of scholars in IR theory trace the origins of realism back to the great ancient Greek thinker, Thucydides. Thucydides followed states’ vigorous struggle for the power and security during the course of the Peloponnesian war (431–404 BC) with great attention and recounted his findings and theories in his book entitled the ‘History of the Peloponnesian War’. He perceived the international realm as one dominated by anarchy where states are in a constant struggle for survival.
States’ struggle for survival became one of the most important basic concepts around which classical realist theories revolve. Niccolò Machiavelli also observed this principle. According to him the realist leader needs both strength and cunning and always has to be alert for the dangers and opportunities of the international sphere in order to provide security for his state and its citizens in the anarchic world.
The classical realist thinking was further elaborated by numerous scholars. Considering the length of this essay I will not discuss them in detail, instead I will briefly introduce the main ideas that most commonly characterize the classical realist approach. Most classical realists agree that the basic human condition is that of chaos and insecurity and people are looking for ways to escape this condition. However, this is a permanent state that cannot be escaped although it can be improved

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