For Realists (sometimes termed ‘structural Realists’ or ‘Neorealists’, as opposed to the
earlier ‘classical Realists’) the international system is defined by anarchy—the absence of
a central authority (Waltz). States are sovereign and thus autonomous of each other; no
inherent structure or society can emerge or even exist to order relations between them.
They are bound only by forcible → coercion or their own → consent
In such an anarchic system, State power is the key—indeed, the only—variable of
interest, because only through power can States defend themselves and hope to survive.
Realism can understand power in a variety of ways—eg militarily, economically,
diplomatically—but ultimately emphasizes the distribution of coercive material capacity
as the determinant of international politics.
4 This vision of the world rests on four assumptions (Mearsheimer 1994). First, Realists
claim that survival is the principal goal of every State. Foreign invasion and occupation
are thus the most pressing threats that any State faces. Even if domestic interests, strategic
culture, or commitment to a set of national ideals would dictate more benevolent or cooperative
international goals, the anarchy of the international system requires that States
constantly ensure that they have sufficient power to defend themselves and advance their
material interests necessary for survival. Second, Realists hold States to be rational actors.
This means that, given the goal of survival, States will act as best they can in order to
maximize their likelihood of continuing to exist. Third, Realists assume that all States
possess some military capacity, and no State knows what its neighbors intend precisely.
The world, in other words, is dangerous and uncertain. Fourth, in such a world it is the
Great Powers—the States with most economic clout and, especially, military might, thatare decisive. In this view international relations is essentially a story of Great Power
politics.
5 Realists also diverge on some issues. So-called offensive Realists maintain that, in order
to ensure survival, States will seek to maximize their power relative to others
(Mearsheimer 2001). If rival countries possess enough power to threaten a State, it can
never be safe. → Hegemony is thus the best strategy for a country to pursue, if it can.
Defensive Realists, in contrast, believe that domination is an unwise strategy for State
survival (Waltz 1979). They note that seeking hegemony may bring a State into
dangerous conflicts with its peers. Instead, defensive Realists emphasize the stability of
→ balance of power systems, where a roughly equal distribution of power amongst States
ensures that none will risk attacking another. ‘Polarity’—the distribution of power
amongst the Great Powers—is thus a key concept in Realist theory.
6 Realists’ overriding emphasis on anarchy and power leads them to a dim view of
international law and international institutions (Mearsheimer 1994). Indeed, Realists
believe such facets of international politics to be merely epiphenomenal; that is, they
reflect the balance of power, but do not constrain or influence State behaviour. In an
anarchic system with no hierarchical authority, Realists argue that law can only be
enforced through State power. But why would any State choose to expend its precious
power on enforcement unless it had a direct material interest in the outcome? And if
enforcement is impossible and cheating likely, why would any State agree to co-operate
through a treaty or institution in the first place?
7 Thus States may create international law and international institutions, and may enforce
the rules they codify. However, it is not the rules themselves that determine why a State
acts a particular way, but instead the underlying material interests and power relations.
International law is thus a symptom of State behaviour, not a cause.