It is unitary and autonomous because it speaks and acts with one voice. The state is the most important actor under realism. The use of power places an emphasis on coercive tactics being acceptable to either accomplish something in the national interest or avoid something inimical to the national interest. Power is a concept primarily thought of in terms of material resources necessary to induce harm or coerce other states (to fight and win wars).
The state emphasises an interest in accumulating power to ensure security in an anarchic world. This view contrasts with the approach of liberalism to international relations. In regards to self-interest, these individuals are self-reliant and are motivated in seeking more power. It is also disposed of the notion that an individual's intuitive nature is made up of anarchy. This perspective, which is shared by theorists such as Thomas Hobbes, views human nature as egocentric (not necessarily selfish) and conflictual unless there exist conditions under which humans may coexist. Realists think that mankind is not inherently benevolent but rather self-centered and competitive. States build up their militaries to survive, which may lead to a security dilemma.Power politics: The primary concern of all states is power and security.Groups strive to attain as many resources as possible ( relative gain).Egoism: All states within the system pursue narrow self-interests.The international system exists in a state of constant antagonism ( anarchy).No actor exists above states, capable of regulating their interactions states must arrive at relations with other states on their own, rather than it being dictated to them by some higher controlling entity.Anarchy: The international system is anarchic.State-centrism: States are the most important actors.The four propositions of realism are as follows. Priorities of realists have been described as Machiavellian, single-mindedly seeking the power of one's own nation over others, although realists also advocated the idea that powerful nations concede spheres of influence to other powerful nations. However, realists are generally critical of liberal foreign policy. As an academic pursuit, realism is not necessarily tied to ideology it does not favor any particular moral philosophy, nor does it consider ideology to be a major factor in the behavior of nations. Realpolitik, however, is an older prescriptive guideline limited to policy-making, while realism is a wider theoretical and methodological paradigm to describe, explain, and predict events in international relations. Realism is often associated with realpolitik, as both deal with the pursuit, possession, and application of power. Power: states desire power to ensure self-preservation.Rationality and/or Egoism: states act in their rational self-interest within the international system and.Anarchy: the international political system is anarchic, as there is no supranational authority to enforce rules.State-centrism: states are the central actors in international politics, rather than leaders or international organizations.
Realism entails a spectrum of ideas, which tend to revolve around several central propositions, such as: Realists trace the history of their ideas back through classical antiquity, beginning with Thucydides. Neorealists are also divided between defensive and offensive realism. Classical realists believe it follows from human nature neorealists attribute it to the dynamics of the anarchic state system neoclassical realists believe it results from both, in combination with domestic politics. Realists are divided into three classes based on their view of the essential causes of interstate conflict. The theories of realism are contrasted by the cooperative ideals of liberalism. Although a highly diverse body of thought, it is unified by the belief that world politics is always and necessarily a field of conflict among actors pursuing wealth and power. Realism is one of the dominant schools of thought in international relations theory, theoretically formalising the Realpolitik statesmanship of early modern Europe. Niccolò Machiavelli's work The Prince of 1532 was a major stimulus to realist thinking.