Realism is school of thought when the power is the key factor.

Idealists consider IR not only in terms of power, bur also law, morality, and international
organizations. They think the the international relations as a group of institutions with mutual
interests. Thucydides stated that ‘the strong do what they want to do, and the weak what they
have to accept. The realists don’t often support the idea of using military power, but they
understand that sometimes it is necessary to do so. They treat political power as predominant
from social or economic aspects of life.
The most important thing in estimating power is - GDP- a reflection of population size and level
of income per person. But it doesn’t predict the outcome of the war accurately.
While having a war one of the major factor to win is a military action. The size and
preparedness. Another capability is quickly producing weapons. The third, is the state’s
bureaucracy, which allows the state to gather information, regulate international trade. Less
tangibly, the loyalty of armies to their leader and, support from another states are the some
factors of gaining influence.
The use of geography is called geopolitics. Military strategists pointes that the melting of the
ice is creating the new ways for military people, creating a new geopolitical issue for russia and
US.

In realist’s opinion, the ISYSTEM exists because of anarchy.

In today’s world, in which the trade and technology create wealth rather than land.
Security dilemma - is a situation when the action of one country to improve security may
threaten the other’s security.
There are 7 great powers in the modern world: US, UK, Japan, China, Germany, France, Russia
Middle powers: Canada, Italy, Spain. The Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, South Korea, Australia.

Neorealism (structural realism) is a 1990s adaptation of realism. It explains the patterns of

events in terms of system structure – the international distribution of power.
Types of systems:
1. Multipolar system: 5-6 centers of power. Each state participates and on equal terms
with the others.
2. Tripolar systems: US, Soviet Union, and China during 1960s and 1970s.

Hegemony is control of one state over the other. Usually It means domination of the world
but sometimes it refers to regional domination. Examples are: global predominance of US.
The