Understanding Realism: The Power Struggle at the Heart of International Relations

Dive into the enduring tradition of Realism—one of the most influential frameworks for interpreting world politics. In this episode, we break down the essential ideas at the core of Realist thinking, exploring how states navigate a global arena defined by competition, power, and insecurity under anarchy. Discover the three main branches of Realism:

• Classical Realism, which roots the drive for power in human nature,

• Neorealism, which sees state behavior as shaped by the anarchic structure of the international system,

• Neoclassical Realism, which adds the importance of leaders and domestic politics as filters for systemic pressures.

We unravel the fierce debate within Neorealism between Defensive and Offensive Realists: Are states merely seeking security and survival, or are they locked in a relentless pursuit of power and dominance? Learn why concepts like Anarchy, the Security Dilemma, and the Balance of Power remain central to explaining conflict and alliance-building between nations.

Finally, we examine how Realism is adapting in a rapidly changing world—facing the "unipolar anomaly" of U.S. dominance after the Cold War, and evolving to address today’s complex global challenges. Whether you’re new to international relations or a seasoned analyst, this episode offers a clear and insightful guide to the Realist tradition and its relevance today.

If you like what you here, you can support the podcast on Spotify here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/iqulture/subscribe 

Or on Apple Podcast via the app.