1. The Realist Paradigm- Hans Morgenthau
Six principles of political realism (Mongenthau, Politics Among Nations)
The tenets of Realism
The notion of state
The international system
States’ foreign policy formation
-Patterns of foreign policy
-Relative power capability base

2. Six principles of political realism
Politics is governed by objectives laws; IR theory is a rational theory that reflects these laws
Politics is an autonomous sphere, independent of economics and personal morality
International politics is about national interests though these interests reflect the political and cultural context within which foreign policy is formulated
The political ethics is different from the universal moral principles
Particular nations cannot impose their national aspirations on other nations
Pessimistic knowledge of human nature is in the centre of international politics

3. The tenets of Realism-the notion of state
The notion of state defined through power: states are about pursuit and maximisation of power: acquiring it, increasing it, projecting it
National interest: acquisition of power; objective national interest in terms of optimization of political influence of a country in the international political environment

4. The tenets of Realism-the notion of international system
Self-help system: refers to the ultimate dependence of state on its own resources to promote its interests and protect itself
Anarchy
Zero-sum competition
Balance of power

5. States’ foreign policy formation
Rationale of state foreign policy: to advance state’s interests and survival
Patterns of foreign policy:
Status quo
Imperialist
Prestige
Relative power capability base:
Resource base: capital and industrial base; military capability; population size and education level; natural resource base; technological base; internal market capacity; transstate resources
Mobilisation base: domestic control system and political regime; nationalist predisposition of the community
Superordinate actors on international stage: foreign policy makers as rational problem-solvers