Classical Realism and the Explanation of International Relations: Assessing Its Primacy

Abstract

International relations is a dynamic process; therefore, studying its developments and changes is important. Since the second half of the twentieth century, international relations has encompassed not only interactions among the governments of sovereign states but also transnational relations involving individuals, groups, and societies. Transnational non-governmental organisations, multinational corporations, and other non-state actors have increasingly influenced state-centred decision-making in international relations. Examining the consequences of this influence for peace and security is a key concern of contemporary international relations.

Nevertheless, wars, crises, polarisation, arms races, and geopolitical confrontations in various regions of the world today show that the state remains the primary actor and that power remains the principal instrument in international politics. In our view, attempting to alter the nature of international relations by investigating the causes of this situation is not the most appropriate approach. Instead, attention should focus on achieving the best possible outcomes within existing conditions.

This article argues that realism is the most suitable theoretical framework for studying international relations. To this end, the article first explains the nature of international relations, then examines realism's fundamental assumptions by analysing several realist works from different historical periods to illustrate the cyclical character of events in international relations. In addition, a comparative analysis shows that realism is the foundational theory of international relations. In contrast, other theories and approaches have largely emerged from it or developed in response to it. The study presents the anarchic nature of the international system, the significance of power, and the inevitability of war as its central theses. Using comparative analysis, analogy, cause-and-effect reasoning, and correlation methods, and drawing on both theoretical and practical examples, the study concludes that realism offers the most comprehensive explanation of international events across historical periods, providing both empirical and normative interpretations. Realist theory demonstrates that theory not only emerges from practice but also influences the course of events. By shaping and dominating human thought, it affects the decisions and actions of political actors. For this reason, realism is embraced, applied, and further developed because it remains closely aligned with human nature.