Gender and American history since 1890 Book

This is one of the fountainheads of the classic realist view of international politics. He disagrees with the idealist view of world politics, defined as (page 3) belief "that a rational and moral political order, defined from universally valid abstract principles, can be achieved here and now." He accepts the realist view, based on the following assumption (page 3): "the world, imperfect as it is from the rational point of view, is the result of forces inherent in human nature. To improve the world, one must work with these forces, not against them."

Normally, I hesitate to quote too much, but the essence of the realist theory is encapsulated by Morgenthau in a handful of central precepts (pages 4-11):

"1. Political realism believes that politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature. . . .
2. The main sign post that helps political realism to find its way through the landscape of international politics is the concept of interest defined in terms of power. . . .
3. Realism does not endow its key concept of interest defined as power with a meaning that is fixed once and for all. . . .
4. Political realism is aware of the moral significance of political action. It is also aware of the ineluctable tension between the moral command and the requirements of successful political action. . . .
5. Political realism refuses to identify the moral aspirations of a particular nation with the moral laws that govern the universe."

This classic work spends considerable time examining international politics as a struggle for power (the title of Part II). One wonderful aspect of Morgenthau's book is its historical sweep, as he uses examples from history in considerable abundance. This part of the volume explores the nature of power, imperialism,, power and prestige, and the like. Part III focuses on national power, including chapters on the essence of national power, the elements of power, and the evaluation of national power. Part IV is one of my favorite components of this volume--a sweeping consideration of the balance of power in history. No need to continue part by part (there are ten parts and 32 chapters in all).

This is still worth reading and thinking about, many years after the volume's publication. It has a hard-headed analysis of world politics, based on principles of realism. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Morgenthau's perspective, it is well worth while to read and think about his views.