The big idea: Realism is the theory that sees global politics as a struggle for power and survival. States are the main players; there is no world government above them; so each state must look after itself in a dangerous world.
Realism is the 'expect the worst' lens. It says that because no one is in charge of the world, states can never fully trust each other — so they build up power, prepare for conflict, and put their own survival first.
- States are the main actors — and they act in their own national interest.
- Anarchy — no world government, so it is a self-help world.
- Power is what matters — especially military and economic power.
- Conflict is normal — cooperation is temporary and never fully trusted.
'Anarchy' does not mean chaos: To a realist, anarchy just means there is no ruler above states — no world government to enforce rules or protect anyone. It does not mean total chaos; it means every state is ultimately on its own for its security.
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A key realist idea is the security dilemma — and the clearest example is an arms race.
Case study — the security dilemma and arms races: Building up an army to feel safe can leave everyone less safe. This is the security dilemma, and it drove the nuclear arms race of the Cold War.
How the spiral works
One state arms
One state builds up its army to feel safe.
The neighbour arms too
Its neighbour cannot be sure the weapons are only for defence, so it builds up too.
The first state arms again
That makes the first state feel less safe, so it builds up further.
Both lose
Both end up more armed and less secure, even though neither wanted war.
Arming to feel safe leaves both sides less safe.
Realists use this to explain why the world stays dangerous even when no one wants conflict. In anarchy, a state cannot know others' true intentions, so it must prepare for the worst — and that very preparation makes everyone less safe.
The key point: Realism explains global politics through power, fear and self-help. The security dilemma shows why: because no world government guarantees safety, states arm for defence, others feel threatened, and everyone becomes more armed and less secure — conflict is built into the system.
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Is realism a clear-eyed description of the world, or too gloomy? Weigh its strengths against its critics.
Link it up: Realism is the natural rival of liberalism: where realists see a dangerous self-help world, liberals see room for cooperation. In an essay, use realism to explain power politics and conflict, then bring in liberalism to challenge it.
How realism comes up in Paper 1: A Paper 1 source might show states arming, competing or distrusting each other. That fits realism — global politics seen as a struggle for power and survival.
With reference to a source and one example you have studied, explain how realism sees global politics.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Easy marks to lose: 1. Saying anarchy means chaos. It means no ruler above states.
2. Forgetting self-help and the national interest. These are core.
3. No real example. Use the security dilemma / an arms race.
4. Presenting realism as the only truth. Note liberals disagree.