Expert: Dennis - 9/10/2006

Question

Dennis,
I want to ask how contemporary international relations are affected by realism. Do you agree that realism is still "alive and well"? What in your view are the most important/useful concepts of realism today? How can the relations between to states be positively/negatively affected if one side views the world through realist perspective and the other one does not.

                                Andres

Answer
Unfortunately, realism is not alive and well. The lack of realism (or an accurate view of realty) affects international relations directly every day. Nations view relations with other nations as they "wish" those nations would be - not as they are.

Europe believes that Iran, Hezballah, and Syria can be negotiated with in order reach an accord. They are not viewing those nations/nation states realistically. Israel can only negotiate with each of those groups by ceasing to exist. To not view that as a realistic perspective is to invite disaster.

To paraphrase a saying from the 1960s when colleges were being taken over by protesters - when asked what will happen after their 10 demands are met, the protester said "We'll make 10 more."

The most useful concept of realism is to frame international relations in the construct of history. If you have an accurate view of the relationship, then you can compare it with historical precedence and act accordingly. If you do not, then to answer your last question, the side that does not have a realist perspective loses. You can decide what loses means.