A THEORETICAL AND EMPIRICAL UNDERSTANDING OF POLITICAL REALISM IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD
Chilaka Francis Chigozie
Department of Political Science and Strategic Studies
Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State
E-mail: chigozielaski@gmail.com
Abstract: The article assessed the relevance of realism in understanding our contemporary world. It looked at the meaning of a theory of international relations and some of the basic ingredients that underpin political realism. Drawing from realist postulations, the article noted that international relations are best understood in the context of power politics. This is because many of the principles that guide realism such as the state, power, balance of power and self-help are visibly present in contemporary international relations. That is not to say, however, that realist postulations have gone unchallenged. The activities of non-state actors and idealist principles are very assertive but do not diminish realists’ postulations. Hence, there can be little doubt that realist theories rightfully retain a salient position in international relations. More fundamentally, it is evident that realism has something to offer to the world it attempts to describe and not a few people will agree with it.