1. Critically assess realism

Critically assess realism 's conceptualisation of `the state ' as the principal actor in international relations

Student Number

Course

Student Number

Tutor

Date of Submission

Introduction

Dating back to the fifth Century BC and defined by varied arguments theoretical perspectives and orientations , Realism or political realism has been central to the practice of International relations . The theory that views international politics as competitive and conflictual conceptualizes states as the principle actors in the international arena as they act in their own national interest with concerns for their own

br security thereby creating a perpetual struggle for power . Realism 's position that no authority is superior to self-interested and egocentric sovereign political units or States who remain the principle actors in international affairs offers a wide explanatory scope and analytic accuracy explaining the enduring system of anarchy and never ending conflicts all of which can be traced back to state 's pursuit of their own self-interest . This implies that treating states with an eye of equality should be primary to international relations although states should not only concentrate on their national interests but ought to integrate morals and values and a cooperative attitude towards other state and non-state actors

State as the Principle Actor

Realists contend that States ' behaviors are similar to those of human beings whom by nature are egoistic and inherently self-interested to an extent that their self interest may overcome moral principle Furthermore the lack of an international government presents a scenario similar to that of anarchy within the international...