What is realist theory in international relations?

Answer 1

Realism posits that the world is inherently anarchical meaning that there is no overarching power/institution to regulate and monitor state action. Thus, states must fend for themselves (much like if there was no government and all citizens had to take care of themselves). In order to maintain the survival of the state, an a priori because existence is a perquisite to anything else, states always seek to increase their power relative to other actors. If states become too powerful, they elicit counter-balancing by regional coalitions of states that cooperate to check back against the hegemon's power. Realism also suggests a security dilemma could occur when states misread other's intentions and create arms races to ensure dominance.