Realism claims to explain the reality of international politics by emphasising the constraints on politics that result from humankind’s nature and the absence of a central authority above the state.
Realism, especially in its classical form, is far from being ready for the dustbin of the history of IR theory – as some critics suggest.
Realism may sometimes bring ‘peace’, but it is always conditioned by power and serving the interests of some actors whilst going against the interests of others.
Carter’s approach toward Iran demonstrates that he became more concerned with perpetuating the strategy of containment than following through on his liberal tendencies.
IR Realism is not sufficient for understanding and explaining international politics, but its concerns with power politics in a decentralised system remain necessary.
Realists grow stronger when criticised on ethical grounds, because such criticism gives realism the opportunity to proclaim its alleged value-free condition.
For realists, neutral states can play a marginal role in the balance of power, but with the end of the Cold War there has been a lack of such a balance.
Cyber domain resembles an anarchical realist world with its lack of institutional governance where states fear one another and develop their capabilities in response.
While realism and power transition theory are often merged together it is important to regard and embrace them as different branches of the power tree.
Realism does not provide a one-stop solution to the refugee crisis, but it acts as a critical corrective to political discourses that securitise refugees.
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