The Reality of Political Realism

When discussing whether or not a nation-state should enter a war and when to do so, three beliefs on foreign policy and war exist. The three different diplomatic stances are that of pacifism, just war theory, and political realism. Political realism, or realpolitik as it is often referred to, is the belief war should only occur when it is in the national interest of the particular nation-state. Henry Kissinger, a political realist, in his book Diplomacy argues that realism is the only logical answer. Just war theorists, along with pacifists, on the other hand oppose these arguments and therefore critique of this form of diplomatic action. To construct a valid understanding of the realist perspective the arguments Kissinger puts forth in his book Diplomacy will be examined, and then a critique of those arguments will be offered through a just war theorist perspective.

Policy differences between Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt lead to different actions and desires. These differences were substantial, and so were their different views on foreign policy. Roosevelt became a president more determined to lead the United States (US) by its national interests. Roosevelt was the first president to insist it was America's duty to make its influence felt globally. Although, Roosevelt only intended to relate the US to the rest of the world through the US's national interests. Roosevelt envisioned the US as a power like no other and felt obligated to draw on its strengths to prevail against other countries as necessary if their interests collided. Whether those strengths be that of embargo, diplomatic actions, or hostile confrontation, Roosevelt believed if it was in the nation's interest to attain this particular goal then so be it. I...

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...on-states that held the same religious beliefs. Europe maintained peace through a balance of power from the nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. This balance of power was enacted following the conclusion of the thirty years war. For as perfect as realpolitik is the reoccurring problem of it is the fact you cannot separate humans from morality. Inevitably making political realism impossible as a form of diplomacy that could be widely accepted. To support the United States in an occupation against Canada because it would widely help American economics, offer resources, etc. would evidently be the right thing to do according to realpolitik. Yet, moralistic Americans view Canadians as their allies and neighbors. There is no just reason to wage war with Canada. A just reason based on morals will be more widely supported than that of just national interests.