Realism
According to realism, states work only to increase their own power relative to that of other states. Realism also claims the following:
The world is a harsh and dangerous place.
The only certainty in the world is power. A powerful state will always be able to outdo—and outlast—weaker competitors.
The most important and reliable form of power is military power.
A state’s primary interest is self-preservation. Therefore, the state must seek power and must always protect itself
There is no overarching power that can enforce global rules or punish bad behavior.
Moral behavior is very risky because it can undermine a state’s ability to protect itself.
The international system itself drives states to use military force and to war. Leaders may be moral, but they must not let moral concerns guide foreign policy.
International organizations and law have no power or force; they exist only as long as states accept them.
Politicians have practiced realism as long as states have existed. Most scholars and politicians during the Cold War viewed international relations through a realist lens. Neither the United States nor the Soviet Union trusted the other, and each sought allies to protect itself and increase its political and military influence abroad. Realism has also featured prominently in the administration of George W. Bush.