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Realism and International Relations
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One might imagine that defining an old and well-established theory such as realism would be a simple task. A look at the representative sample of recent and prominent definitions in box 1.1, however, reveals consider- able diversity1 – which on further reflection should not be surprising.
Even in traditions with authoritative defining texts, such as Marxism and Christianity, different emphases and antagonistic interpretations are common. We should expect at least as much variety in realism.
Realism2 is not a theory defined by an explicit set of assumptions and propositions. Rather, as many commentators have noted, it is a general orientation: “a philosophical disposition” (Gilpin 1986: 304); “a set of normative emphases which shape theory” (Ferguson and Mansbach 1988: 79); an “attitude of mind” with “a quite distinctive and recogniz- able flavour” (Garnett 1984: 110); “a loose framework” (Rosenthal 1991: 7); and “a ‘big tent,’ with room for a number of different theories” (Elman 1996: 26). Realism is an approach to international relations that has emerged gradually through the work of a series of analysts who have situ- ated themselves within, and thus delimited, a distinctive but still diverse style or tradition of analysis.3
Jack Donnelly - Personal Name
0 521 59752 8
NONE
Realism and International Relations
Makerting
English
THE PRESS SYNDICATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
2000
THE PRESS SYNDICATE OF THE UNI
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