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Realist view: * “self-help” system: states must help themselves * States will seek to maximize power over morality or material interests * International institutions do not matter; only states matter in war and peace- life d death * Power is: * The aim of political struggle * Defines the interests of states * A motivation that is constant throughout human history * Assumptions: * Human nature is bad, assume leaders will act in self * Anarchy: no world government, no hierarchical force on states * Great powers will violate international system/law if they can gain what is in their self-interest * Rationality: a calculation of costs and benefits; states will pay the cost if the benefit outweighs the cost * Survival is a goal * Does not make assumptions about non-state actors * Offensive realist: the best way to preserve power is to be the most powerful, states seek primacy of power * Defensive realist: states want to survive most of all; constantly striving for power will make you weaker

Realism vs Idealism:

Morgenthau: (classical realism- human nature is corrupt) * Human nature brings “a limitless lust for power,” a need for control in pursuit of power, it is a source of difficulties * The concept of power is the control of man over man and can change as history changes * Political power is the main source of power * Political realism= interests in terms of power * First image best explains the reoccurrence of war * Moral principles are not considered in state action: survival is above all morals * Conflict is the result of opposing interests in pursuit of power for survival

Waltz: (Opposing Morgenthau) * Power is a means of survival * Uses 3 images to explain war and peace * First: human nature * Second: internal organization of the state * Third: international system * The third image explains
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