Role Of Realism In International Relations

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International relations initially had marginal consideration for morality concerning the actions of sovereign states. The main principals of international relations such as realism had inhospitable consideration for ethical Judgments. Realists believe that morality is a relatively unimportant and is only understood in terms of national interest and power. Therefore from a realist perspective, power is the centrifugal force in dictating state behavior. However, this does not mean that there is absolutely no place for ethical reflection in the study of international relations. For example, Classical realism has put an effort to develop the idea of integrating morals when leaders have the opportunity to make decisions that could potentially damage other states. In addition, normative theory also emphasizes the importance of ethics/morals in international politics. Normative International theories have a great obligation in guiding states as a moral compass. Therefore, normative theory provides clear guidelines in gearing the actions of states based on norms, values and …show more content…

ISIS has a strong affiliation with al Qaeda and with past history of the terrorist attack on September 11; the US is a leading country in fighting terrorism. The United States’ Strategy in the war on terrorism is heavily influenced by realist theory. Globally, terrorism is not seen as a simple criminal action but a war declared on humanity. This can be connected to the realist view of anarchy which is any aggression is a war and the defense against it the same or simply going to war. Therefore, the United States sees the association of ISIS with al Qaeda as national threat to security and as a response can launch preventative war. If fighting terrorism means the annihilation of ISIS, then the United States should be prepared to accept causalities and the financial destruction which raises the question of moral

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