concept of realism

Realism is a viewpoint that emphasizes the importance of perceiving and representing things as they truly are, rather than how we might wish them to be. In literature and art, this means depicting everyday life and ordinary people with honesty and accuracy, focusing on realistic situations and relatable characters. In international relations, realism refers to the idea that countries act primarily in their self-interest, prioritizing power and security over ideals like ethics or morality. Overall, realism is about acknowledging and engaging with the world’s complexities and challenges, rather than idealizing it.