The Realist Critique

The Realist Critique questions the optimistic view of international cooperation, emphasizing that nations primarily act in their own self-interest driven by power and security concerns. Realists argue that because conflicts and power struggles are inherent in international relations, efforts toward global harmony are often limited or unstable. They believe that understanding countries' motives for power helps explain why cooperation is fragile and why conflict persists, rather than assuming that shared interests or moral ideals alone can ensure peace and stability in the world.