political realism
Interest over ideology
Political realism is a theory of international relations holding that nations act primarily out of self-interest and the pursuit of power rather than moral principles or ideological commitments.
Realists view the international system as fundamentally anarchic—without a governing authority—so states must secure their own survival through military strength, alliances, and strategic calculation.
The administration's political realism led them to support dictators who served American interests.
- ThucydidesGreek historiographer, fifth-century BCE
- realpolitikPolitics prioritizing practicality over ethics
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- powerEnergy transfer rate
- hard powerInfluence via force or economic pressure
liberalism · neorealism · sovereignty · national interest · national security · deterrence · self-help · Marxism · balance of power · spheres of influence · state actors · military strategy · alliances · arms races · institutionalism · international negotiations · economic sanctions · territorial disputes
political realismidealism
Belief in noble principles
utopianism · constructivism · cosmopolitanism · functionalism · critical theory
political realismutopianism
Faith in perfect systems
idealism · optimism · naïveté · romanticism · moralism
political, politic, politics, politically, politicize, politicized, politicization, politician, politicians