Why do realists believe that global politics is
characterised by conflict?
Realists argue that global politics is biased in favour of conflict both because of the nature of states (or other global actors) and because of the implications of the international system. For realists, states are the principal actors in international or world politics, and, being sovereign, they act as autonomous entities. The primary motive driving state action is the pursuit of power and self-interest, usually explained by reference to human nature (human beings are viewed as selfish, greedy and powerseeking creatures). International relations are therefore inevitably characterised by power politics, with power usually understood in terms of military capacity or force, the ability to impose their will on others or to resist aggression of fellow states. Realists believe that all states are motivated by such power-seeking tendencies, regardless of their constitutional character.
A tendency towards conflict also stems from the dynamics of the international system itself. Anarchy reigns in the international system because there is no authority higher than the sovereign state. However, anarchy forces states to adopt a strategy of self-help. As no other body or actor can ensure their security, states are forced to ensure their own security. The international system is therefore characterised by suspicion, fear and insecurity, creating an irresistible tendency towards conflict and competition. This is made worse by the security dilemma, in which a defensive military build-up by one state is depicted as potentially or actually aggressive by another state, leading to an arms race, growing hostility and the likelihood of war.
Realists argue that global politics is biased in favour of conflict both because of the nature of states (or other global actors) and because of the implications of the international system. For realists, states are the principal actors in international or world politics, and, being sovereign, they act as autonomous entities. The primary motive driving state action is the pursuit of power and self-interest, usually explained by reference to human nature (human beings are viewed as selfish, greedy and powerseeking creatures). International relations are therefore inevitably characterised by power politics, with power usually understood in terms of military capacity or force, the ability to impose their will on others or to resist aggression of fellow states. Realists believe that all states are motivated by such power-seeking tendencies, regardless of their constitutional character.
A tendency towards conflict also stems from the dynamics of the international system itself. Anarchy reigns in the international system because there is no authority higher than the sovereign state. However, anarchy forces states to adopt a strategy of self-help. As no other body or actor can ensure their security, states are forced to ensure their own security. The international system is therefore characterised by suspicion, fear and insecurity, creating an irresistible tendency towards conflict and competition. This is made worse by the security dilemma, in which a defensive military build-up by one state is depicted as potentially or actually aggressive by another state, leading to an arms race, growing hostility and the likelihood of war.