Realist Approach in International Politics - UPSC PSIR Optional 2025-26

The Realist approach in international politics is one of the most dominant paradigms in the study of International Relations (IR), especially significant for UPSC aspirants pursuing PSIR optional. Rooted in classical political thought, Realism views international politics as a competitive and conflictual arena governed by the pursuit of power. Thinkers like Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Morgenthau shaped this school by focusing on human nature, national interest, and state-centric power dynamics. For UPSC Mains, particularly in PSIR Paper II and GS Paper II, a thorough grasp of Realism is crucial for analyzing global conflicts, diplomacy, and international institutions.

What Will UPSC Aspirants Learn from This Article?

❓What is the origin and historical development of the Realist theory?

❓Who are the key thinkers and what are their contributions to Realism?

❓What are the major features and principles of Realism in IR?

❓What are the different types of Realism: Classical, Structural, and Neo-Classical?

❓What are the criticisms and limitations of Realist theory?

❓How does Realism compare with Liberalism and other theories in International Relations?

Historical Origin of Realism

The Historical origin of Realism emerged with ancient texts which evolved through centuries in philosophical and political thoughts. The origin of Realism came in response to the Idealist theory and emphasized the anarchic and competitive nature of International Politics.

Thucydides

Thucydides is the author of "The History of the Peloponnesian War," in which he emphasized power dynamics among states. He introduced the "Thucydides trap". It showed the idea that fear among rising powers leads to inevitable war. His quote, "The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must," encapsulates the Realist view of power-driven relations.

Machiavelli

In "The Prince," Machiavelli reasoned that rulers should prioritize their state's survival and power upon moral principles. He emphasized on the use of deception and force when necessary. For Machiavelli, politics had its own ethics – "ethics of responsibility" – different from conventional morality.

Thomas Hobbes

Hobbes defined international politics as a state of anarchy, which was very much like his Leviathan concept in domestic politics. Without a central authority, states act based on fear and self-preservation. He emphasized the impossibility of global governance due to sovereignty concerns.

Decline in Classical Realism

Classical Realism declined with the rise of Christian universalism and the Pax Romana. The Thirty Years War and subsequent Westphalian Treaty reestablished Realist thought by emphasizing sovereignty, equality of states, and balance of power.

Morgenthau

Hans Morgenthau revived Realism post-World War II with his book "Politics Among Nations." He viewed international politics through objective laws rooted in human nature. For Morgenthau, politics is a struggle for power, and national interest must be understood in terms of power.

Realist School

The Realist school considers states as the principal actors in an anarchic international system. It focuses on statism, survival, and self-help. Realism views international politics as a zero-sum game driven by power politics.

Statism, Survival, and Self-help

• Statism: The state is the main actor, and national interest is paramount.
• Survival: The primary goal of every state.
• Self-help: In an anarchic system, states can rely only on themselves for security.

Realism Important Revision Points for UPSC PSIR Optional Paper & GS Paper-II

Here are some important points to remember that cover revision topics of the Realist approach based on the PSIR optional (Political Science and International Relation) syllabus in UPSC CSE.

⭐IR became a distinct discipline post-WWI with Realism as its foundation.

⭐Thucydides introduced the idea of power-driven war.

⭐Machiavelli promoted state interest above moral conduct.

⭐Hobbes viewed international anarchy as a key feature.

⭐The Westphalian Treaty reasserted state sovereignty and equality.

⭐Morgenthau emphasized power as the essence of international politics.

⭐Realist school focuses on statism, survival, and self-help.

⭐States act in a self-interested, power-seeking manner.

⭐National interest is dynamic and evolves with context.

⭐Realism distinguishes between domestic and international morality.

⭐Universal moral principles don’t apply to state actions.

⭐Realists prioritize political prudence over ideological idealism.

⭐Realism is amoral, not immoral.

⭐Balance of power is a key strategic tool.

⭐Flexible alliances are based on national interest, not ideology.

⭐Deterrence and war are seen as rational state actions.

⭐Realism sees non-state actors as less significant.

⭐It emphasizes the primacy of states and power in IR.

Six Principles of Morgenthau

Here are the six principles of Morgenthau explained in detail.

Human Behaviour

Morgenthau believed human nature is inherently driven by power and selfishness. This basic nature shapes political actions and explains the repeated patterns in international relations.

National Interests Revising Again and Again

National interest is dynamic and changes over time like context, and shifting global realities. Leaders must constantly reassess policies to match the evolving power structures.

Ethical Values Cannot Be Applied

Morgenthau argued that universal moral values cannot be applied to state behavior. States operate in an amoral world where survival takes precedence over ethical conduct.

Ideological Claims

Nations often disguise their power-driven motives under the rhetoric of moral or ideological claims. However, real decisions are based on strategic calculations of interest.

Ideology

Nations often disguise their power-driven motives under the rhetoric of moral or ideological claims. However, real decisions are based on strategic calculations of interest.

International Politics

Politics functions independently of ethics, economics, or law. Realist Approach views international politics as driven by power competition among states, not by idealism.

Prominent Thinkers Supporting Realist Approach

The Realist school is enriched by numerous thinkers who have shaped its evolution throughout the century. These thinkers and their ideas are relevant to UPSC Optional and GS Paper-II syllabus.

Types of Realism

Realism is categorized into different streams based on their focus areas which are:

👉Classical Realism

Classical Realism directly points to human nature which is relevant to ethics of statecraft.

Prominent Points:

• Classical Realism is rooted in historical and philosophical analysis.
• It views power as a result of human nature.
• It emphasizes moral ambiguity in politics.

👉Structural Realism (Neo-Realism)

Structural Realism or Neo-Realism basically focuses on international anarchy and structure over human nature.

Prominent Points:

• Kenneth Waltz’s theory of systemic constraints.
• States act based on position in international hierarchy.
• Structure defines behavior, not morality or human nature.

👉Neo-Classical Realism

Neo-Classical is a dilution of Neo-Realism or Structural Realism and Classical Realism. It basically accounts for domestic variables.

Prominent Points:

• Includes role of perceptions and internal politics.
• State behavior is influenced by both structure and unit-level factors.
• Recognizes complexity in foreign policy formulation.

Key Criticism of Realist Approach

The table shows some of the main critics of the Realist approach throughout the centuries and their main ideas.

Realism Vs Liberalism

Realism is grounded in power politics; Liberalism focuses on cooperation. Let’s see the key differences between Realism and Liberalism.

UPSC Mains PYQs on Realist Approach

🎯Examine the main assumptions of the Realist theory. [1991, UPSC PSIR Paper II]

🎯“Realism as an approach to international relations helps to explain why states fight or threaten each other, but it is less effective in explaining much of the cooperative behaviour we see…” Comment. [1996, UPSC PSIR Paper II]

🎯Clearly explain Realist Theory in the study of International Politics. [2003, UPSC PSIR Paper II]

🎯Discuss the realist and neo-realist approaches in the study of International Relations. [2008, UPSC PSIR Paper II]

🎯Examine the post-modernist critique of Realism in international politics. [2010, UPSC PSIR Paper II]

🎯What are the great debates between ‘classical’ and ‘modern’ realists? Is there any thin line of continuity between these two traditions? [2012, UPSC PSIR Paper II]

🎯Identify the major differences between the classical realism of Hans J. Morgenthau and the neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. Which approach is best suited for analysing international relations after the Cold War? [2015, UPSC PSIR Paper II]

🎯Is Realist Approach the best method to understand International Relations? Examine this in the context of Classical Realism. [2017, UPSC PSIR Paper II]

🎯Bring out the major differences between the Classical Realism of Hans Morgenthau and the Neorealism of Kenneth Waltz. [2018, UPSC PSIR Paper II]

Classical Realism Vs Neo Realism (Structural Realism)

The main two types of Realism i.e., Classical Realism and Neo Realism. What is the basic difference between these two?

Important Books on Realism (UPSC PSIR Optional & GS Paper II)

Here is a list of most important Realism books that are relevant to the latest UPSC Mains syllabus and highly preferred by UPSC aspirants.

This article offers a comprehensive overview of the Realist Approach for UPSC aspirants. For UPSC Mains preparation, understanding Realism provides analytical tools to interpret and evaluate global political dynamics through the lens of power and national interest. Also, download the Testbook App from the Play Store to get more details and unlimited study materials for the UPSC Prelims and Mains exams.