International Relations: Realism Theory on State Powers and Relations

This essay delves into the theory of Realism within the field of International Relations, outlining its core principles and applications. Realism posits that states are the primary actors in international politics, driven by a pursuit of power and self-interest to ensure survival in an anarchic world. The essay examines the concept of state sovereignty, the balance of power, and the rational, unitary nature of states, as central tenets of Realism. It highlights how realists view international relations as a competitive arena, where states continuously strive to enhance their capabilities, often through military and economic means. The essay also references the Treaty of Westphalia as a foundational event in the development of Realist thought. By analyzing the perspectives of key scholars, the essay concludes that Realism remains a significant framework for understanding state interactions and the dynamics of world affairs, despite facing various criticisms. This theory emphasizes the importance of alliances and strategic maneuvers, especially during conflicts, to maintain stability and security within the international system.

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INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION(S)
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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Describe a theory of international relations. What does this theory tell us about relations
between states in world affairs?
Realism is one of the theories of International Relations that describes the idea of how
states work for enhancing their powers over other states. Realism theory presents powers as
certain in world politics where a powerful state is one which holds strong military powers to
defeat its weaker competitors. This theory stresses limitations of International trade and
politics imposed by mass people and the absenteeism shown by state government which
when combined forms an International Relations relying upon the realm of interests and
powers between states in world affairs (Booth, 2011).
According to Mcglinchey, Walters, & Scheinpflug (2017), Realism says that every
leader, irrespective of their political recognition can attempt to take over their state’s affairs
for making it survive in a competitive environment. Moreover, when states live disorderly
because of absence in law, it can be easily taken over by an international hand. “Realists
believe that the state is the most important actor in international politics” (Usiemure &
Gbigbidje, 2018, p. 2). According to the authors, realism practice has been in position from
the time Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 during which European states collaborated with many
states to put an end to wars. They accepted the notion behind states sovereignty during one of
the meetings where no outsider was allowed to dictate the foreign or domestic policies
concerning another state. Since Treaty of Westphalia, various believers in Realism theory
argued that military and economic position of states have wielded influence over international
relations.
Some realists’ believers focus upon central strategies of Realism theory and their role
in building a relationship between states in world affairs management, referring it as ‘balance

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of powers’. Apparently, it describes as a situation under which states make continuous
choices to develop their capabilities while depleting other resources. Such approach generates
a fine balance between every state theoretically through which no state can become too
powerful under international system. If any state tries to grow too much, it can trigger war
like the rise of Nazis in Germany during 1930s since other states may then form alliances to
defeat the powerful one for restoring the balance. This power to balance states system is one
of the many reasons international relations are often regarded as anarchic ( Mcglinchey,
Walters, & Scheinpflug, 2017). Another assumption of Realism theory in International
Relations shows that states are rational and unitary actors where national interests lead the
state especially while wars take place to speak and perform under one voice. A single
performer of the state becomes capable of identifying preferences and goals while
determining relative importance and relationship between states (Usiemure & Gbigbidje,
2018).
Realism Theory is one of the unified theories that describe realists as key actor in
national sovereignty, world politics and states interest who work for an ultimate goal. They
stress alliances in states and balance of powers as superior strategies especially during wars to
compete with competitive states. Despite many criticisms faced, realism concludes to be
central in International Relations approach and continues to offer various insightful notions
about relations between states in world affairs.

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References
Booth, K. (2011). Realism and World Politics. Oxon : Routledge.
Mcglinchey, S., Walters, R., & Scheinpflug, C. (Eds.). (2017). International Relations
theory. Bristol, England: Creative Commons .
Usiemure, O. C., & Gbigbidje, D. L. (2018). Realist Theory of International Relations. The
International Scholar Journal of Arts, 1(1), 1-11.