Realism Theory of International Relations: Definition, Application, and Examples

The theory of realism in international relations deals with a country's military power and interests in international politics. Realists believe that war is inevitable due to human nature. This article explores the definition, application, and examples of realism theory in international relations, as well as the contrast between realism and idealism.

International relation theories of realism
Definition and explanation of realism a deal
The theory of realism deal is a group of interconnected theories which spearheads the
work of a country, power of the military and the interest of the country in the international
politics according to Baylis et al. 2017. The set theories that comprises of realism came to exist
after the second world war. In solving many challenges that face the nation, the theory of realism
tries to give the suitable illustration in the characteristics of the nation. The behaviors of the
nation have an effect on the international affairs. For instance, the theory uses an example of a
country that does not have a central command or body that is in authority to maintain the powers
of the military or the resources of the nation. When a country behaves in that way, it creates a
point of confusion in the international affairs. Many people in the world are realists, they believe
in the existence of the central power in a nation. Many realists push for various reforms in a
nation.
Application of realism theory deal in international relations
In analyzing the realism, Booth & Erskine 2016 says that, many realists say that realism
deal aims at the change in the world politics. For instance, world war II should not have
happened, countries were supposed to maintain peace and harmony after the first world war.
Several inhabitants of different countries lived in a disorganized manner, there is no quality
relationship between the citizens and the people in authority according to Burley 2017. In today's
settings, the rulers, for instance, a king set out some rules that the citizens need to abode by.
However, if one goes against the set rules the ruler has also set the implications very clear. The
rules sometimes make people live in anxiety and fear. For that reason, many times you can find

there is no peace in most nations due to dissatisfied citizens. On the other hand, if you look at the
international world, there is no one set ruler. What determines the international relation is seen as
lack of clear order and anxiety. For that reason, war is always inevitable in the international
relationships. Apparently, it is clear that realism depicts that human beings are born turf. They
need someone to control them every now and then for the peace to be evident. In any
circumstance, realism illustrates that there are people, it is very difficult to escape any state of
war. The urge of quarreling is widely inherited from one human being to the other. On the other
many realists says that when the issue of politics arises among various nations, in the event one
country is aimed at overpowering the other instead of helping each other. It is evident that
realists mainly see the war where there are many people as opposed to cooperation among those
people in reference to Jackson & Sørensen 2016.
Example of realism theory deal in the world
An inevitable example is the American hegemony. From the history the United states
emerged so powerful after the second world war, their economy seemed to be stable. From all
the states that participated in the world war II, U.S is seen as the most powerful and their
dominancy is evident up to date hence many countries believe that they are the rulers. The other
examples where realism is evident is where U.S and China fight against each other concerning
power. The theory of realism deal has interfered with how nations see each other in the world.
Actually, when one is applying realism, it is very common that it suggests there should be a
leader that regulate on what every human being is doing at each and every moment. This is a
traditional way of viewing politics. It mainly sees politics as a way of showing hungry of power
and the possibility of war.

Idealism in relation to international relation
In contrast to realism, idealism proves that international relation, people can coexist world wide
without any occurrence of war. Idealism claims that, the evil that is usually seen on human kind
is not often there (Tomuschat, 2014). Countries can eliminate wars through good morals and
assist the other countries to spearhead their development. Many idealists say that having policies
is a good way to maintain the good moral in the world.
Example of idealism in international relations
Several idealists claim that an example of idealism is seen in an instance whereby in a society
there is a murderer. The government of the policies should work hand in hand to eliminate such
behaviors in the society. Justice can be achieved through the set institutions which use ideas in
resolving matters.
References
Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (Eds.). (2017). The globalization of world politics: an
introduction to international relations. Oxford University Press.
Booth, K., & Erskine, T. (Eds.). (2016). International relations theory today. John Wiley &
Sons.
Burley, A. M. S. (2017). International law and international relations theory: a dual agenda.
In The Nature of International Law (pp. 11-46). Routledge.

Jackson, R., & Sørensen, G. (2016). Introduction to international relations: theories and
approaches. Oxford university press.
Tomuschat, C., 2014. Human rights: between idealism and realism. OUP Oxford.