Morgenthau's concept of 'Political Realism' emphasizes on which of the following?

The correct answer is 'The objective laws of politics, rooted in human nature.'

Key Points

• Political Realism by Morgenthau:
  • Hans Morgenthau, a prominent political scientist, is best known for his development of the theory of 'Political Realism.'
  • Political Realism emphasizes that politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature.
  • According to Morgenthau, the primary interest of states is to pursue power, and this pursuit is rooted in the unchanging nature of human beings.
  • He argues that the actions of states are driven by the same principles that drive human behavior, focusing on self-interest and the struggle for power.

Additional Information

• The inevitability of war:
  • This is a common misconception about Political Realism. While realists acknowledge that conflict and war are inherent in international relations, they do not argue that war is inevitable. Instead, realists emphasize the importance of power and security in preventing conflicts.
• The moral superiority of domestic States:
  • Political Realism does not concern itself with the moral superiority of states. Instead, it focuses on the practical and strategic aspects of state behavior, irrespective of moral considerations.
• The dominance of military power over economic power:
  • While military power is a significant aspect of Political Realism, Morgenthau's theory does not exclusively advocate for the dominance of military power over economic power. Realists consider both military and economic factors as critical components of national power.