Realism became a prominent concept for understanding global politics after the Second World War. It serves as a theory to comprehend political reality. Its roots can be traced back to the period of the Peloponnesian War between 431 and 404 BCE, but the systematic study of realism emerged in the 20th century during the era of Hans J. Morgenthau and E.H. Carr. Realism posits that humans are inherently selfish, the state is a power-seeking institution, and it operates within an international system of anarchy. There are two major classifications in realism: classical realism and neorealism.
The key difference between classical and neorealism is their purpose. Classical realism examines historical events, while neorealism concentrates on the systematic study of the contemporary world.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Classical Realism
3. What is Neorealism
4. Similarities Between Classical Realism and Neorealism
5. Classical Realism vs Neorealism in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Classical Realism vs Neorealism
7. FAQ – Classical Realism and Neorealism
What is Classical Realism?
Classical realism in international relations emerged in the aftermath of the Second World War, with key contributors including E.H. Carr, Hans Morgenthau, Kennan, and Raymond Aron. This concept aims to portray a realistic political landscape reminiscent of the struggle for power. Prior to the formalization of realism, echoes of its principles could be discerned in the works of ancient Western and non-Western philosophers.
On the Western front, Thucydides, an Athenian historian, spoke about crucial realistic concepts in his book “History of the Peloponnesian War.” Meanwhile, non-Western writings, exemplified by Kautilya’s Arthashastra, underscored the anarchic nature of inter-state relations and the paramount importance of national interest.
Classical realism encapsulates a profound understanding of human nature, highlighting the intrinsic qualities of selfishness and greed in the pursuit of power. It illuminates the enduring presence of anarchy, unraveling the intricate dynamics of egoism and power politics among states.
In international relations, realism believes in the concepts of high politics and low politics. High politics places more emphasis on the military and security, while low politics focuses on trade and commerce. Realism asserts that low politics are less important than high politics. This pedagogy leads to a better understanding of international relations based on empirical evidence rather than normative perspectives.
What is Neorealism?
Neorealism, also known as structural realism, involves a systematic examination of international systems. Kenneth Waltz stands as the principal proponent of neorealism. Within this perspective, neorealists center their beliefs on the relative distribution of power among states. The exploration of state behavior underscores an ongoing struggle among them for power. Neorealists adhere to a conviction of anarchy, where no central mechanism controls states. The central tenet of neorealism revolves around state security, with a primary focus on military power rather than economic factors. Neo-realism is characterized by a scientific and systematic study of state functioning in the international system.
Similarities Between Classical Realism and Neorealism
- Both classical and neorealism prioritize the security of the state and the pursuit of national interests as paramount concerns.
- They view states as sovereign entities, unbound by morality and international law, and emphasize the supreme importance of power in shaping global dynamics.
- Rejecting idealism, both classical and neorealism acknowledge the necessity of a realistic assessment of power dynamics for understanding international relations.
- The concept of the balance of power is central to both theories, with small and vulnerable states strategically aligning themselves with more powerful nations to maintain strength and ensure survival in the competitive international arena.
Difference Between Classical Realism and Neorealism
Definition
- Classical realism is a theory of international relations emphasizing human nature as inherently self-interested and power-seeking, often examining historical events and conflicts among states.
- Neorealism is a theory of international relations emphasizing the anarchic nature of the international system, where states seek power primarily for security, with a focus on contemporary dynamics and structural analysis.
Conceptual Foundation
- Classical realism explores the state’s pursuit of power, driven by self-interest. It asserts that states are formed by inherently selfish humans seeking to promote their own interests, making states power-seeking institutions.
- In contrast, neorealism argues that human nature has no role to play, and there is an existence of anarchy in the international system. States seek power to secure their national interests and security in this anarchic environment.
Approach to Understanding
- Classical realism takes a historical perspective, examining the politics and conflicts among states. Classical realists believe in various dimensions of power, encompassing economic and technological aspects, to promote national interests.
- On the other hand, neorealists focus predominantly on the accumulation of military power as the primary means to advance national interests and exert control over other states.
Below is a summary of the difference between classical realism and neorealism in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Classical Realism vs Neorealism
Classical realism and neorealism are significant theoretical frameworks that provide unique perspectives on international relations. Despite common ground in prioritizing state security and recognizing the centrality of power, there is a difference between classical realism and neorealism based on their emphasis—classical realism on historical events and human nature, and neorealism on contemporary systems. This enriches our understanding of the complex dynamics in the pursuit of power among states. These differences, spanning from ancient history to the contemporary world, contribute to a more comprehensive grasp of the intricate interplay shaping international politics. Exploring both viewpoints enhances the depth and breadth of insights into the evolution of global dynamics across time.
FAQ: Classical Realism and Neorealism
1. What are the three Ss of classical realism?
- Statis, Survival, and Self-help are the three Ss of classical realism. They emphasize the importance of stability, the need for state security, and the reliance on self-sufficiency in navigating international relations.
2. How does realism differ from idealism?
- Idealism relies on moral principles to achieve its goals, whereas realism prioritizes national interests and power dynamics without moral constraints. Unlike idealism, realism does not impose moral restrictions on state actions, focusing instead on practical considerations such as security and power.
3. When did realism become an important study in international relations?
- Realism became an important study in the 20th century after the Second World War. The widespread destruction caused by the war and the rise of superpower competition emphasized the need to grasp power dynamics and state behavior in global politics. Realism became a favored framework among scholars and policymakers for analyzing and managing the intricate complexities of international relations in the post-war period.
4. What is the major demerit of realism?
- Realism largely disregards the pursuit of an ideal state and a spiritual realm, instead focusing primarily on the tangible realities of the world. As a result, philosophical values and ethical behavior are often overlooked or given less emphasis.
Reference:
1. “Realism (international relations).” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Neorealism (international relations).” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Thucydides Pushkin02” By user:shakko – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia