Artem Muchnik

Mark Shirk

GVPT200

Response paper #1: Six Principles of Political Realism by Hans J. Morgenthau

Of the different political theories, I personally think that Morgenthau’s theory of political realism is one of the most sensible approaches to politics in the current world, even though that approach is slightly outdated. With the theory of realism it is possible one of the safest ways to approach politics in the current world because of all the current conflicts going on in the world; and the theory of realism revolving around such concepts as power, security and states in anarchy. Realism in my opinion is possibly the most successful theory due to the idea of self-help for the government. In the reading Hans Morgenthau clearly demonstrates why Realism is possibly the most sensible way to live by for a state by using the six principles of realism.

Principle one states that, “Political realism believes that politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature.” In my opinion meaning that in order to function properly the laws governing the state have to be reasonable, and in the society’s favor. The second principle of realism is more openly interpreted as it has to do with the power of the state; and in order to succeed in international politics it is important to have interest defined in terms of power. “We assume that statesmen think and act in terms of interest defined as power” I assume that means that the statesmen are more concerned with the power aspect of politics in order to maintain the security of the state. The third principle of political realism is similar to the second one in terms of power; but its other important point is that power isn’t always the fixed concept once and for all. In the fourth principle Morgenthau states, “Political realism is aware of the moral significance of political action” which means that it is important for the states’ government to address problems in a rational and moral way. The fifth principle correlates with the fourth and is that in political realism the states will not disclose their real moral aspirations. Finally the sixth principle finishes off by stating, “He thinks in terms of interest defined as power” when addressing the political realist.

For example in the current world and the conflict in Syria, a realist approach is probably the more rational way to deal with it. Although the president of Syria could justify his actions under a political theory, in our political view it is immoral; and the USA’s involvement would not be the best approach due to the fact that it would possibly arise more problems for the USA, although if we followed the self-help approach and avoided this conflict I presume we might be better off.

Overall, the concept of realism might be outdated, but in my opinion its one of the most plausible theories due to the fact that it creates a more secure environment for the state, and since security is equivalent to physical survival it is an important theory to employ for the state’s prosperity.