Realism

Realism is one of the major theoretical frameworks in the field of International Relations (IR).
Realism posits that the international system is characterized by competition, conflict, and the
pursuit of self-interest by states. It assumes that states are the primary actors in international
politics, and their behavior is driven by a desire for power and security.

Hans Morgenthau: Morgenthau, defined realism in his book "Politics Among Nations" as
follows: "Political realism believes that politics, like society in general, is governed by objective
laws that have their roots in human nature. In order to improve society, it is first necessary to
understand the laws by which society lives."

Kenneth Waltz: Waltz, a key proponent of neorealism, defined realism in his work "Theory of
International Politics" as a structural theory that focuses on the distribution of power in the
international system. He argued that the structure of the system, rather than the nature of
individual states, determines their behavior. According to Waltz, "Realism... considers states and
other units to be the principal actors in international politics and attributes to them certain
inherent characteristics... Realism also assumes that the ordering principle of the international
system is anarchy."

John J. Mearsheimer: Mearsheimer, another influential realist scholar, defined realism in his
book "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics" as follows: "Realism is an approach to the study
of international politics that emphasizes the role of power politics, national interest, and the
struggle for relative power among states. Realists believe that states are the main actors in
international relations and that the international system is anarchic, with no central authority or
global government to enforce rules."

According to Jack Snyder, realism is a theory that emphasizes the importance of power and
security in international politics. According to Snyder, realism posits that states are the primary
actors in international relations, and their behavior is driven by self-interest, power maximization,
and the pursuit of security.