In addition, critics have noted a lack of precision and even contradictions in the way
classical realists use such core concepts as "power," "national interest," and "balance of
power."9 They also see possible contradictions between the central descriptive and prescriptive
elements of realism. On the one hand, nations and their leaders "think and act in terms of
interests defined as power," but, on the other, statesmen are urged to exercise prudence and
self-restraint, as well as to recognize the legitimate interests of other nations.10 Power plays a
central role in classical realism, but the correlation between relative power balances and
political outcomes is often less than compelling, suggesting the need to enrich analyses with
other variables. Moreover, the distinction between “power as capabilities" and "usable options"
is especially important in the nuclear age, as the United States discovered in Vietnam and the
Soviets learned in Afghanistan. The terrorist attack on New York and Washington of
September 11, 2001, even more dramatically illustrated the disjunction between material
capabilities and political impact.
In addition, critics have noted a lack of precision and even contradictions in the way
classical realists use such core concepts as "power," "national interest," and "balance of
power."9 They also see possible contradictions between the central descriptive and prescriptive
elements of realism. On the one hand, nations and their leaders "think and act in terms of
interests defined as power," but, on the other, statesmen are urged to exercise prudence and
self-restraint, as well as to recognize the legitimate interests of other nations.10 Power plays a
central role in classical realism, but the correlation between relative power balances and
political outcomes is often less than compelling, suggesting the need to enrich analyses with
other variables. Moreover, the distinction between “power as capabilities" and "usable options"
is especially important in the nuclear age, as the United States discovered in Vietnam and the
Soviets learned in Afghanistan. The terrorist attack on New York and Washington of
September 11, 2001, even more dramatically illustrated the disjunction between material
capabilities and political impact.
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