Whitney Lazo

            In a world where states are at constant risk of being attacked, it is more logical to support realism. Hans J. Morgenthau clearly demonstrates the reasons why realism is the most sensible theory in Six Principles of Political Realism. It is the safest way for a state to live by and guarantees survival due to the practice of self-help. Realism is also the simplest and most successful theory for states because of the basic values of relative power and security that it entails. There are many more detailed motives for why realism accumulates the most prosperity.

            Some may argue realism is pessimistic or selfish. However, in this dangerous world, diplomacy will not lead to serenity. Realism may be inconsiderate to other states at times, but that is the only way a state can ensure its own protection. This way, as a state gains more stability, other states will weaken, giving a greater advantage to the more stable state. It is unsafe to have such a positive outlook on foreign policy because it causes vulnerability. In addition, reasoning with other states in order to find a mutual benefit is not trustworthy. Realism allows a state to take care of its own people. Having the citizens of a state be a priority is favorable because there will be no time or goods wasted on others. This maximizes the success of the state. Therefore, having interests for ones state only, creates domination, as Max Weber states.[1]

            One reason why it is not safe to depend on another state for well-being is because one can never know the true motives of other states.[2] For example, the Munich Agreement allowed Nazi Germany to annex areas of Czechoslovakia in order to appease Adolf Hitler and his desire to expand. Although Germany and France made this compromise in order to avoid war, Hitler ignored the agreement.[3] This is one prime example in history of why actors cannot trust others, as it is impossible to determine true intentions. Even if a statesman appears to have honorable morals, their foreign policy may lack similar qualities.[4] It is more practical to treat all other states as enemies rather than allies. As Niccolò Machiavelli said, “It would be best to be both loved and feared. But since the two rarely come together, anyone compelled to choose will find greater security in being feared than in being loved.”[5]

            Realism is also a reliable theory because of the verification of facts according to reason. When giving meaning to facts, realists wisely consider the foreign policy of statesmen. This theory distinguishes what is the truth and what is an opinion.[6] This is important because opinions are not always correct they are just mere feelings. Realists strongly examine the most practical and authentic options of foreign policy in order to find the most success and security. This way, a state does not have to deal with emotion, just facts.

            Realism is the most rational theory due to the way states protect themselves by always being cautious and aggressive towards other states. Realists see the world how it actually is, rather than what other people unrealistically desire. With this theory, there is a distinction between what is appealing and what is truly possible. All principles of realism are clearly practical and the most sensible.

           

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[1] Marianne Weber, Max Weber (Tuebingen: J. C. B. Mohr, 1926), pp. 347-8.

[2] Hans J. Morgenthau, Power and Principle in Statecraft: Six Principles of Political Realism (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1978), pp. 8-9

[3] Cole, Robert A. "Appeasing Hitler: The Munich Crisis of 1938: A Teaching and Learning Resource," New England Journal of History (2010) 66#2 pp 1–30.

[4] Hans J. Morgenthau, Power and Principle in Statecraft: Six Principles of Political Realism (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1978), pp. 9

[5] Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince, p. 60

[6] Hans J. Morgenthau, Power and Principle in Statecraft: Six Principles of Political Realism (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1978), pp. 7-8