Thucydides

Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian whose work, particularly "The History of the Peloponnesian War," is foundational to Political Realism. He emphasized the role of power, self-interest, and human nature in politics, suggesting that conflicts arise from the relentless pursuit of power among states. Unlike Idealists, who focus on moral principles and cooperation in international relations, Thucydides acknowledged the harsh realities of political life, illustrating that nations often act in their own interest, leading to war and strife. His insights remain influential in understanding the complexities of human behavior in political systems today.