The evolution of the concept of Realpolitik: from classical realism to modern challenges

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of political realism as one of the paradigms of international relations research. It is established that political realists in international relations emphasise the limitations imposed on politics by human nature, which they consider selfish, and the absence of an international government. Representatives of classical political realism, including N. Machiavelli, H. Morgenthau, H. Kissinger, and J. Kennan, do not reject the possibility of moral judgements in international politics. Rather, they are critical of moralism – an abstract moral discourse that does not take into account political realities.
The article defines realpolitik as a type of state policy that refuses to use any ideology as the basis for state policy and establishes that realpolitik, which puts its own interests and practicality first, narrows the focus of the state to everything that can improve the position of this state, thereby improving the standard of living and general welfare of the people.
The author establishes that the founders of realpolitik proclaimed the role of force and the force factor as the most important postulate of foreign policy as a condition for ensuring the balance of power and guaranteeing national security, and they also claimed and claim to provide the key to understanding the behaviour and actions of states and statesmen in the international arena, to reveal the very logic of international politics. Strategic resources that play a key role in the dynamics of world politics in accordance with realpolitik are: military means, production capacity, raw materials, population, geostrategic advantages, cultural characteristics, and the morale of the nation. Modern challenges to Realpolitik are caused by globalization, growing interstate interdependence, and the emergence of new threats, such as cyber threats, armed conflicts, wars, climate change, and instability in the humanitarian sphere. It is also noted that in order to implement realpolitik, it is important to always compare your strengths and capabilities.