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Known as one of the most influential theories within international relations, Realism attempts to address how states interact based upon the concepts of power and security. The primary interest within this theory is self-preservation, which claims that states only work to increase their own power relative to others. Developed by many theorists, realism’s long history can be dated back to the work of classic theorists such as Machiavelli, Thucydides and Hobbes.
This concept emphasises the constraints on politics “imposed by human selfishness and the absences of international government” . There are many approaches to realism however the main concepts that will be development within this essay are Classic Realism and Neorealism. Developed within his book, Politics Among Nations, Hans Morgenthau’s theory is based upon human nature and the need for a balance of power, he analyses that international relations is known to be driven by the endless struggle for power. Kenneth Waltz’s Neorealism is based on the basic political ordering principles defined within his Theory of International Politics. He wrote that anarchy often leads to the logic of self-help where states only look to maximise their own protection and security. Realism consists of four core elements which include statism, survival, self-help and anarchy.The purpose of this essay is to identify the distinctions between Classic Realism and Neorealism in order to grasp the concept of state centric theories.
The concept of power is known to be one of the core components to understanding international relations, through the ability to influence and the achieving of objectives this is how countries are successful. Power can be identified through military strength, economic wealth, natural resource and, size of territory. The importance of having power is crucial as it allows states in world politics, the ability to pursue certain interests and gain influence on an international scale, power is often known to be a attribute of a state. Harvard professor, Joseph Nye identified the categories of power within his book The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science which include: Hard power, the use of force when achieving ams. Smart power, use of force, persuasion and influence to achieve aims and finally soft power, the use of influence or persuasion. Realists argue that states use hard power in order to gain and maintain for their own use, John Mearsheimer wrote “States compete with each other to gain power at the expense of others to make sure they do not lose power” this quote can be similar to Morgenthau’s definition of power in which he states “Power may comprise anything that establishes and maintains the