Hans Morgenthau, Realism, and the Study of International Politics
Author(s)
Jervis, Robert
Abstract
The realist theories of political science posited by Hans Morgenthau and the neorealism of his followers both fall victim to the seemingly impossible paradox of political theory: that political activity at the international level occurs within the bounds of natural laws, but that politicians in real life seem not to follow these laws. For the laws to be natural, they would not have to be followed, they would just happen. Morgenthau’s concepts of national interest, power and the importance of ideas, morality and diplomacy are discussed.
