Why Do We Need Realist Perspective in International Arena?

What is Realism in International Relations?

Realist theory in international relations has a significant place as we all know. Realism basis on the idea of human nature is bad, nasty, and selfish also human beings tend to resort to violence for solving disputes just like states. This is the main point of Classical Realism.

According to Realists, the state is much more important than individuals also leaders are important, too. So, it is a state-centric theory.

On the other hand, Structural Realism or Neorealism approaches world order and main actors states in the international arena from a different perspective. According to Neorealists, the international system is anarchic. It means there is no higher authority over the states. Even though we have International Associations today, we can talk about still anarchy in the system. But we do not talk about anarchy in internal issues in states. Every state has different institutions to apply sanctions, punishments, rules, etc. Moreover, people obey the rules and the constitution. Because there is no higher authority in the world order over the states and states have to protect and preserve themselves, this is their moral duty of them. So as you understand, realists are very skeptical and critical of moral codes. If you want to understand more this perspective, you should read 'the Prince' written by Machiavelli.

What About Why We Need Realist View in International Relations?

As we can understand the importance of Realism from the Melian Dialogues by Thucydides. Melian Dialogues reflect part of the Peloponnesian War. According to Thucydides, the emerging cause of war is the rising power of Athens is a threat to the Spartans.

Melos Island wanted to be neutral in this war but Athenians forced them to surrender. However, the Melos people trusted the Spartans very much and, they continued to be neutral again because they were sure that in the event of a possible attack by Athenians, Spartans will protect them but Spartans did not do anything.

Melonians entrusted their security to Spartans but this decision is not logical at all. Realists focus on the issue of security because states are responsible to provide their security. Also according to Realists, you cannot trust anyone because states behave according to their interests just like people do. Maybe Melonians shouldn't trust Spartans that much and if they took precautions suitable for the conditions at that time, probably their situations would be different.

Today, we have plenty of international organizations whose founding purpose is to ensure peace in the world. But, we still ask "Can world peace be achieved ?" or "How can world peace be achieved ?". Because we know that even if we all want to live in peace, we have a tendency to violence as human beings and it is fact that international law's institutions are not enough to apply sanctions to states. In that case, states which have more power (economical, militarily, politically, etc.) can they do whatever, they want. As I mentioned before, Realists say that the international system is anarchic. Realist Theory in International Relations teaches us that we shouldn't trust any state in the system as a state's leader and it has a kind of the point. On the other hand, trusting no state in the system can affect it in a very bad way and it may cause some problems such as security dilemmas, armament races, etc.