Realism: the Most Effective and Pragmatic Approach to International Relations
Lahore School of Economics
International Relations Research Paper
Submitted to: Amnah Mustafa
The cycle continues for the generations to come and Realism itself shall remain as one of the most effective and pragmatic approaches to International Relations.
Group Members:
Gohar Hayat Hiraj
Ayesha Aqeel
Maham Akbar Chaudhary
SEC F
Realism
“This can be said about the generality of men: that they are ungrateful, fickle, dissembling, anxious to flee danger, and covetous of gain.” (Niccolo Machiavelli)
The above mentioned quotation summarizes what, to realists, the human nature is. Man was born with an inborn sense to rule and seek personal gains above everything else. He was driven by lust, desire for power and a deep yearning to be in control of his life. He was, as described by Machiavelli in a poem, „insatiable, arrogant, crafty and shifting, and above all else malignant, iniquitous, violent, and savage‟ (Jack Donelly). His thirst could only by satisfied by grave 's earth.
If not so, the temptation always existed in his nature and can well be traced to the start of humanity with Adam eating the forsaken fruit and being banished from the Heavens. „The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.‟ (Oscar Wilde). Realists base their theories on this principle and consider it a fact that man would, if given the opportunity, go to the extremes in order to calm his violent desires.
“(In politics)it needs to be taken for granted that all men are wicked and that they will always give vent to the malignity that is in their minds when opportunity offers” (Niccolo Machiavelli)
Early in the search for his destiny, man realized that he was not the only one in pursuit of such grandeur and that co-existence was a mere illusion. Confucius said, "True goodness springs from a man 's own heart. All men are born good." But as man began to experience the harshness of life his ideals began to change. There were too many outside
International Relations Research Paper
Submitted to: Amnah Mustafa
The cycle continues for the generations to come and Realism itself shall remain as one of the most effective and pragmatic approaches to International Relations.
Group Members:
Gohar Hayat Hiraj
Ayesha Aqeel
Maham Akbar Chaudhary
SEC F
Realism
“This can be said about the generality of men: that they are ungrateful, fickle, dissembling, anxious to flee danger, and covetous of gain.” (Niccolo Machiavelli)
The above mentioned quotation summarizes what, to realists, the human nature is. Man was born with an inborn sense to rule and seek personal gains above everything else. He was driven by lust, desire for power and a deep yearning to be in control of his life. He was, as described by Machiavelli in a poem, „insatiable, arrogant, crafty and shifting, and above all else malignant, iniquitous, violent, and savage‟ (Jack Donelly). His thirst could only by satisfied by grave 's earth.
If not so, the temptation always existed in his nature and can well be traced to the start of humanity with Adam eating the forsaken fruit and being banished from the Heavens. „The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.‟ (Oscar Wilde). Realists base their theories on this principle and consider it a fact that man would, if given the opportunity, go to the extremes in order to calm his violent desires.
“(In politics)it needs to be taken for granted that all men are wicked and that they will always give vent to the malignity that is in their minds when opportunity offers” (Niccolo Machiavelli)
Early in the search for his destiny, man realized that he was not the only one in pursuit of such grandeur and that co-existence was a mere illusion. Confucius said, "True goodness springs from a man 's own heart. All men are born good." But as man began to experience the harshness of life his ideals began to change. There were too many outside
References: Adolf Hitler “Mein Kampf” Published by Embassy Book Distributers 2005 Edition Vol II p.424 (Chap 4) Jack Donelly “Realism and International Relations” Cambridge University Press 2000 Edition Niccolo Machiavelli “The Prince” Translated by Daniel Donno, Published by Bantam Dell 1981 Edition Robert Green “The Art of Seduction” Viva Books Private Limited 2002 Edition p.234 (chap 8) “The 48 Laws of Power” Viva Books Private Limited 1999 Edition Walter Isaacson “Kissinger, A Biography” Published by Simon & Schuster 2005 Edition p.66 (chap 4), p.13 (introduction), pg. 371-379(chap 18), p.82(chap 5) http://www.e-ir.info/2011/08/17/the-realist-school-of-thought-an-analysis/ Walter Isaacson “Kissinger, A Biography” Published by Simon & Schuster 2005 Edition Webster‟s Pocket Quotation Dictionary Trident Press International 1997 Edition