Lauren Wilhelm

September 18, 2013

GVPT 200

Measrsheimer p.29-54

            Of all of the theories discussed, realism is the most accurate in terms of discussing international relations. Measrsheimer says it best when he states the five bedrock assumptions of realism. Realism calls for the most straightforward and blunt outlook on world politics and, although it is somewhat pessimistic, that’s because it is honest. One of the main tenets of realism, the issue of security, argues one of realism’s greatest points. The most important thing is in fact physical survival because if a state does not exist then what does it matter how well its economy is doing or how many trade routes it has. It must keep the state as a whole and its leaders safe and then move on from there.

Another tenet of realism that I strongly agree with is the view on power. Realism acknowledges the fact that great powers do in fact fear each other causing the constant power struggle. Relative power matters the most according to realism, which makes the most sense in the large scheme of things. If one state gains power through a means that allows another state to gain power then they have to consider all of the possible outcomes of the other state growing. For example, if the original state in question gains a large amount of power by taking over majority of another state, and this allows yet another state to use the small remaining resources from the remaining territory not yet taken over to expand and create allies, then there is potential for the lesser state to overthrow the more powerful state with its newly formed allies. Because there is always a potential threat of war or struggle with another state, powers, especially great powers must always be on the defense. Liberalists don’t always like this view because they see it as pessimistic and uncooperative but if history has taught the world anything it’s that your ally today may be your enemy tomorrow.

I also strongly concur with the realist assumption that all powers act rationally. There are many different ways to define rationality and everybody’s understanding of rationale varies. However states in an anarchic system must act rationally especially when there is such a stress on relative gains and power. A state must think through every possible decision as I discussed earlier and decide what would be best for its state as a whole. The state must think “strategically” as Measrsheimer said. Therefore rationality is key. The two tenets of relative power and rationality go hand in hand together.

           People that are drawn to realism like it so much because it is, well, realistic. It also is not just some far-fetched theory that only makes sense when you string a group of ideas together purposefully so that the only logical outcome is the one that you have created. It’s main tenets and the bases for it have been proven throughout history. States fear each other hence the constant power struggle to get a leg up on each other. They also all posses some kind of military power and will strengthen it when a fellow state does the same and they feel threatened. This is what led to the arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union causing the cold war. This is a perfect example in history that supports realism. Realism helps not only to describe the way states act in this anarchic world, but it also gives reasoning for why it is almost impossible to achieve “world peace”. Realism is definitely the most solid theory in my opinion and gives the most candid view on world politics.