Name:

CLASSICAL REALISM
 Brief Origin of Classical
Realism
The aggressive pace at which states in the
international system continues to develop their
arsenal, wage war at each other and expand
territories for hegemony at any slight provocative
action consistently brings to the mind of global
affairs enthusiasts the main points of classical
realism.
Classical realism is a prominent realist theory of
International Relations (IR) that originate around
the mid 20th century and focuses attention on how
states in the global system acquire, retain and
increase power, pursue and sustain their national
interest amidst the anarchic nature of the
international system. The common argument
usually posited by the classical realists on how and
why the international system is anarchic is often
traced to the works of legendary philosophers such
as Thomas Hobbes, Niccolo Machiavelli, Hans
Morgenthau, and E.H Carr.
 Brief Origin of Classical
Realism

To Hobbes, the human nature is characterized with

deviant behavior that is brutish, nasty and naturally
selfish and as a result, this character is exhibited
among states thus making the global system
characterized with anarchy and war.

Niccollo Machiavelli in support of Hobbes

Statement emphasizes that the end justifies the
means thus instructing states to use any method
necessary either hostile, cruelty or violence to
achieve their goal.

In essence, classical realist perspectives highlight

the harsh realities of human nature and statecraft,
emphasizing the often ruthless measures states
may resort to in pursuit of their power objectives.
Why classical realism is Rather than proving classical realist wrong, Notable
events in the world such as the Iran nuclear deal,
the most accurate theory COVID-19 pandemic, Turkish military interventions in
Syria and Libya, and NATO Russian relations
for analyzing current continues to give credence to the accuracy of Classical
realist ideas in global politics.
global events
The negotiation, withdrawal, and subsequent attempts
to revive or renegotiate the Iran Nuclear Deal exemplify
classical realist principles. The initial agreement
involved a complex web of national interests, power
dynamics, and concerns about regional stability. The
subsequent withdrawal by the United States and the
subsequent negotiations underscore the role of power
politics and state-centric interests.

Moreover, the response of states across the globe to

the COVID-19 pandemic has showcased elements of
classical realism. States like Russia, China and the
USA amongst others prioritized their own national
interests, with competition over medical supplies,
vaccine distribution, and information.
Why classical realism is The pandemic revealed the limits of international
cooperation and highlighted the significance of state
the most accurate theory sovereignty in crisis management.

for analyzing current In addition, Turkey's military intervention in Syria and

global events Libya brings to the forefront of global politics classical
realist perspectives. These actions are driven by
Turkey's national interests, security concerns, and the
pursuit of regional influence. The interventions reflect
a realist understanding of state behavior in an
anarchic international system.

The war between Russia and Ukraine and most

recently, the Israel vs. Hamas war symbolizes the
relevance of classical theory and further reimburses its
accuracy in analyzing global events.

Drawing insights from the above statements, the key

principles of classical realism are: Power Politics,
National Interest, Role of States etc. as highlighted in
figure 1.0
Power politics

Role of States
Explaining the Core Principles of Classical Realism
Interpreting the diagram
in the preceding slide
showcases that the
international system is
characterized with
states pursuing their
national interest in
various forms.
Economic
considerations are
equally influential, as
seen in the European
Union's collaborative
economic integration
and China's expansive
Belt and Road Initiative
aimed at securing global
Political influence, a coveted
asset, manifests in the United
States' strategic maneuvering
within the United Nations and
Russia's involvement in the
Syrian conflict to maintain
regional influence. .
Territorial integrity remains a
paramount concern, evident in
conflicts like the India-Pakistan
dispute over Kashmir and
Russia's annexation of Crimea,
driven by security concerns and
demographic considerations.
 •Reinforcing
Infographic Style
the argument for
classical realism as the most
accurate theory
The Cold War serves as a prime
example of classical realism in action.
The United States and the Soviet
Union engaged in a prolonged power
struggle, emphasizing the theory's
emphasis on great power
competition, military buildups, and
alliances.
In consonance with the above, the
war between Israel vs Hamas, Russia
and Ukraine corroborated the above
statement.
Analyzing current power shifts, such as the rise of
China, through the lens of classical realism
accurately predicts the challenges posed by
emerging powers and the resulting geopolitical
tensions.
Classical realism often faces criticism from idealist
perspectives. However, its grounding in the
practicalities of state behavior provides a more
.
realistic and pragmatic framework compared to
idealistic theories. Classical realism's flexibility to
adapt its principles to different historical periods
and global contexts is a strength.
This takes us to the next section which is the works
of major philosophers who contributed to the
historical evolution of what we know today as
classical realism
• Infographic Style
Major contributors to the
development of classical
realism Morgenthau argues that there is a
tension between the moral
Yes, Hans Morgenthau addresses aspirations of states and the
the role of morality in imperatives of national interest and
international relations in his work, power. He acknowledges the
"Politics Among Nations." While existence of moral principles and
Morgenthau is often associated ethical considerations but cautions
.

with a realist perspective that against idealistic or utopian thinking

emphasizes power politics and
national interest, he does not
entirely dismiss the relevance of
morality. However, his approach
to morality in international
relations is tempered by a
realistic understanding of how
states behave.
that neglects the realities of power
politics. In Morgenthau's view, states
must balance moral considerations
with a clear understanding of power
dynamics and national interest to
navigate the complexities of
international relations.
 Major contributors to the
development of classical realism
E. H Carr Another scholar

Another scholar Another scholar

Another scholar.
THANK YOU