Classical Realism - Essay Example

Introduction Realism is an international relations theory that the world politics is largely driven by the competitive self-interests of each nation. Realism therefore outlines both the conflicting as well as competitive side of the international politics. In its purest form, realist ideology suggests that stakeholders in the international arena are the States which have their own national interests. Much of the actions of the States therefore are driven by their own self-interests and States compete with each other on the basis of their individual interests. Realism as a political ideology evolved over the period of time and suggests that States tend to keep their national interests first. All the decisions in international relations therefore are made while keeping the national interest dear. It is however, critical to understand that this power of the States comes from the ability to accumulate military and economic power. In order to ensure that is self-interests take the priority in international relations matter, a State has to acquire military and economic power. Classical realism may seem a realistic approach in international relations however; to implement the same may not be entirely possible. The changing dynamics of world politics, globalization as well as shifting of economic powers may not allow nations to continue to dominate for longer period of time. Further, the influence of such forces may not allow complete independence to the States to design and execute their international relations strategies in the light of their own self-interest. This paper will introduce, discuss and critique the classical realism. Classical Realism Classical Realism is rooted in the belief that since desire for power is one of the characteristics of the flawed human nature therefore States also attempt to increase their capabilities to gain more power. As such for classical realists, the international politics is bad or evil because people making the foreign policies are often bad too. The very concept of classical realism therefore suggests that the self-interests of the nations are basically above any other moral obligations of any State. Classical realism also outlines the need for nation-states and indicates that they are motivated by the national interests. These national interests however, are disguised in the overall moral obligations of the States. Classical realists argue that at the international level, States are the major actors deciding on their own based upon overall costs and benefits. It is however, critical to understand that there is an inherent dichotomy within classical realism. On the one hand, it advocates that the domestic politics as well as affairs should be dealt in accordance with the law and ethics whereas international politics of the States should be driven by the national interests.( Baylis, & Rengger, 1992), It is also critical to note that certain conditions or features are considered as essential for the classical realism to work. The belief in the primacy of the nation-state as well as principle that the States behave rationally is considered as some of the important pillars of classical realism based upon the overall international policy framework are based.( Brown & Ainley, .2005), The problem of order and stability at the domestic level is being dealt with the argument that the central and more powerful government at the center. This government is considered as essential in order to enforce laws, protect citizens as well as defend the borders and maintain peace within the society. However, at the international level, States should take advantage of the opportunities offered in order to compete with other States. This competition however, can only be ensured once the States have the necessary economic and military power.( Bull, 1995), It is critical to note that classical realism does not entirely discard ethics at the international level and work on the Machiavellian assumption of everything is fair in the interests of the State. Neither it is in favor of conflict and war among the States to actually pursue the interests of the States. It simply assumes that in international relations, States should give more preference to securing their interests first. (Carr, 1946), However, this ability to take care of the self –interests of the State depends upon the military and economic power of the country. It is also because of this reason that classical realism is often associated with what is called power politics. In its essence, classical realism suggests that any moral obligation as well as social construction has no value for the State if its own interests are not secured first. Moral obligations become secondary when States deal with each other at the international stage. It also suggests that any ideology may not hold over the State and State has the paramount importance.( Hocking, & Smith, 1995), Classical realism also outlined politics in terms of power and securing interests has been associated with the powers. It is also important to understand that classical realism negates the role of any external authority to dominate the international policy making of the country. Since its focus is on the nation-state and State is considered as above everything therefore role of any external power or agency is not taking into consideration. The use of coercive power and influence of other States or Super Powers therefore does not hold since each States decides based upon what is best in their own interest. Classical realism as an ideology also demands that the States should not engage into any long term commitments with other States. States are required to continuously protect their interests and should not engage into any relationships which can actually jeopardize their own interests in the long run. As such the relationship between the States may remain volatile and flexible considering the assumption that each State gives preferences to its own interests. Though the concept of power and interest is not fixated into history or context however, the overall response of a nation towards its foreign policy can largely be rooted into its cultural and political settings. Classical realism however, also takes into consideration the moral significance of the political actions. It is also believed to be recognizing the tension between the moral commands and what is required to take political actions. Critique One of the key critiques of classical realism and neo-realism for that matter comes from the emergence of globalization. Globalization as a phenomenon started to emerge during 1970s which increased the dependence of States on each other. No longer were States pursuing their own self-interests because for some reason or another, they were dependent upon other States to fulfill their economic obligations. Apart from this, the Cold War and the era after the end of Cold War specifically highlighted the deficiencies of classical realism in taking into consideration the domestic politics.( Baylis, Smith, & Owens, 2011).  Classical realism sees acquisition of power by the States as an end in itself and therefore considers it as the most important goal for the nation-state to achieve. However, as per neo-realist assumptions, it is not the end in itself as the interdependence between the States and the impact of global economy on the politics is also taken into considerations. A basic assumption made by the classical realism suggests that the reaction of the States is actually based upon the human nature as classical realism sees human nature as the basis of politics. It is however, critical to note that human nature alone may not be sufficient to describe why States react in certain manner. The decisions are not only sometimes independent of the overall nature of the Statesman but they are also made due to the certain external pressure put on the States to make decisions in certain manner. Classical realism therefore clearly fails to identify the difference between the domestic as well as international politics.( Kegley & Wittkopf, 2007), Classical realism suggests that politics is irrational in nature and it is mostly because of the power that it becomes irrational. It is however, argued that it’s not the power itself but the efforts of the States to redefine the power which makes politics relatively irrational in nature. Classical realism also argues about the separation of the human nature related with the politics and the ordinary nature of the humans. While making political decisions, it is the political nature of the humans that makes all the decisions. It has however, been argued that there are other factors which also contributes towards the overall political decision making. Classical realism seems to ignore such issues while debating on how political decisions are being made by the statesmen.( Jackson & Sorenson, 2006), Conclusion Classical realism as a political ideology is an old ideology with its roots in Machiavelli’s The Prince and other classic works. Classical realism as a political ideology claims that the self-interest of the State is of utmost importance and it has preference over any ideology as well as moral obligations of the State. Based on the notion of nation-state, this ideology suggests that in international relations, self-interests of the states is the driving force however, this could only be achieved when State has the capability to develop military as well as economy. By developing as well as having strong military ensures that States do not come under any external influence from any super power. References 1. Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (2011). The globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations. New York, Oxford University Press. 2. Baylis, J. and Rengger, N.J. (1992), Dilemmas of World Politics, Oxford: Clarendon Press. 3. Brown, C. and Ainley, K. (2005), Understanding International Relations, 3rd edition, Basingstoke: Palgrave. 4. Bull, H. (1995), The Anarchical Society, Basingstoke: Macmillan. 5. Bull, H. and Watson, A. (1984), The Expansion of International Society, Oxford: Clarendon Press. 6. Carr, E.H. (1946), The Twenty Years Crisis 1919-1939, London: Macmillan. 7. Hocking, B. & Smith, M. (1995), World Politics, London: Harvester Wheatsheaf. 8. Jackson, R. and Sorenson, G. (2006), Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches, 3rd edition, Oxford: Open University Press. 9. Kegley, C.W. and Wittkopf, E.R. (2007), World Politics: Trend and Transformation, 11th edition, New York: St Martins Press. Read More