What is the core belief of realism in international relations?

The core belief of realism in international relations centers on the idea that states act primarily out of self-interest, with a main focus on the pursuit of power. Realists perceive the international system as anarchic, meaning that there is no overarching authority to govern state behavior. In this view, each state must prioritize its own national interests and security, leading to a competitive and often conflictual international arena.

Realism underscores that states are rational actors that use power as a means to ensure survival and achieve their goals within the international system. This perspective is grounded in a pessimistic view of human nature and the belief that conflicts and competition among states are inevitable due to their inherent self-interested behaviors. In this context, the pursuit of power is not merely an option but a fundamental characteristic of state interaction in international relations.

In contrast, other options reflect perspectives that diverge from the realist framework. For instance, the idea of essential international cooperation for peace aligns more with liberalism, which emphasizes the benefits of institutions and collaborations. Similarly, the belief that ethics should guide foreign policy decisions speaks to a normative approach often found within constructivism or other schools of thought, rather than realism's pragmatic focus on power dynamics. The notion that emerging democracies will always