Realism and It’s Sub-Theories

Realism is one of the most fundamental theories in international relations and considers states as the primary actors. According to this theory, the international system has an anarchic structure, and states seek to maximize their power to ensure their security. The sub-theories of realism can be examined under three main headings: classical realism, neorealism, and neoclassical realism.

Classical Realism: Argues that human nature is power-driven, self-interested, and conflictual. States aim to maximize their national interests.
Neorealism (Structural Realism): Focuses not on human nature but on the anarchic structure of the international system. States act according to the principle of “self-help” in order to survive.
Neoclassical Realism: To understand a state’s foreign policy, it considers not only the international system but also domestic politics, leaders’ decisions, and state capacity.

1. Classical Realism

Key Concepts:

Classical realism argues that human nature is power-driven, self-interested, and inclined toward war.
States, like individuals, seek to maximize their own interests.
Policymakers are influenced by fear, insecurity, and interest-driven policies.

Key Pioneers of Classical Realism:

Thucydides (The Peloponnesian War)
Niccolò Machiavelli (The Prince)
Hans Morgenthau (Politics Among Nations)

Hans Morgenthau’s Contributions:

Explained international relations based on human nature.
Argued that policymakers should prioritize national interest.
Believed that war is inevitable.

2. Neorealism (Structural Realism)

Innovations Introduced by Kenneth Waltz:

Unlike classical realism, neorealism focuses on the structural characteristics of the international system rather than human nature.
Since there is no central authority in the international system, states operate based on the principle of “self-help.”
The balance of power is the core element of international stability.

Key Concepts of Neorealism

Anarchic System
Balance of Power
Self-Help
Security Dilemma

Defensive vs. Offensive Realism

Defensive Realism	Offensive Realism
States increase their power solely to ensure their security.	States aim to achieve maximum power.
Excessive power accumulation poses a threat.	The pursuit of hegemony is inevitable.
Balanced alliances should be formed.	There is constant competition.
Stephen Walt, Charles Glaser, Stephen Van Evera.	John Mearsheimer.

3. Neoclassical Realism

Neoclassical realism emerged as a response to neorealism. This theory focuses not only on the structure of the international system but also on the internal dynamics of the state and the decision-making processes of leaders to understand state foreign policy.

Basic Assumptions of Neoclassical Realism:

State foreign policy cannot be explained solely by the structural conditions of the system.
Domestic political factors, leaders’ visions, and elite decision-making processes are influential.
States may increase their power not only in response to threats but also to maximize their interests.

Key Representatives of Neoclassical Realism

Gideon Rose
Randall Schweller

Randall Schweller’s “Balance of Interests” Theory:

States act not only to balance threats but also to maximize their interests.
Domestic dynamics are a critical factor shaping foreign policy.

Internal Factors of Neoclassical Realism

Elite Consensus
Elite Cohesion
Social Cohesion
Regime Durability

Conclusion

Realism is a power- and interest-centered approach in the discipline of international relations.

Classical realism emphasizes human nature as interest-driven and power as decisive.
Neorealism focuses on the anarchic structure of the system and the balance of power.
Neoclassical realism highlights internal political dynamics and leader decisions alongside systemic factors.

All three theories offer different perspectives to understand international politics. However, they all accept that states are rational actors seeking to maximize their interests and acknowledge the competitive nature of the international system.

Comparison of Different Approaches to Realism

Factors	Classical Realism	Neorealism	Neoclassical Realism
Actor in International Relations	States	States	States
The Purpose of States	Power and interest maximization	Security	Power and interest maximization
Ensuring Security	Maximization of power	Maximum power (offensive realism) or sufficient power (defensive realism)	Based on power and capacity factors
Characteristics of the State and Their Impact on Foreign Policy	Yes	No	Yes
Key Factors Influencing the Explanation of Foreign Policy	The nature of the state (emphasis on human nature)	The nature of the international system	Internal factors of the state and the roles of leaders
International System	An anarchic system where power is the determining factor	Anarchic, structural factors are determining	An anarchic system interpreted with internal factors
Core Arguments of the Theory	States inherently seek power; conflict is inevitable.	A system based on the balance of power is decisive. States aim to survive.	Internal factors (leadership, elites, social dynamics) must be considered to understand the power of the system.
Main Representatives	Thucydides, Machiavelli, Morgenthau	Waltz, Mearsheimer	Gideon Rose, Randall Schweller

Arı, T. (2023). International relations theories (10th ed.). Bursa: MKM Publishing.
Mearsheimer, J. J. (2001). The tragedy of great power politics. W. W. Norton & Company.
Schweller, R. L. (2006). Unanswered threats: Political constraints on the balance of power. Princeton University Press.