the realist paradigm- hans morgenthau six principles of political realism (mongenthau, politics...
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The Realist Paradigm- Hans Morgenthau Six principles of political realism
(Mongenthau, Politics Among Nations) The tenets of Realism- The notion of state- The international system States’ foreign policy formation-Patterns of foreign policy-Relative power capability base
Six principles of political realism Politics is governed by objectives laws; IR theory is
a rational theory that reflects these laws Politics is an autonomous sphere, independent of
economics and personal morality International politics is about national interests
though these interests reflect the political and cultural context within which foreign policy is formulated
The political ethics is different from the universal moral principles
Particular nations cannot impose their national aspirations on other nations
Pessimistic knowledge of human nature is in the centre of international politics
The tenets of Realism-the notion of state The notion of state defined through
power: states are about pursuit and maximisation of power: acquiring it, increasing it, projecting it
National interest: acquisition of power; objective national interest in terms of optimization of political influence of a country in the international political environment
The tenets of Realism-the notion of international system
Self-help system: refers to the ultimate dependence of state on its own resources to promote its interests and protect itself
Anarchy Zero-sum competition Balance of power
States’ foreign policy formation Rationale of state foreign policy: to advance state’s interests
and survival Patterns of foreign policy:- Status quo- Imperialist- Prestige Relative power capability base:- Resource base: capital and industrial base; military capability;
population size and education level; natural resource base; technological base; internal market capacity; transstate resources
- Mobilisation base: domestic control system and political regime; nationalist predisposition of the community
Superordinate actors on international stage: foreign policy makers as rational problem-solvers