IS REALISM FINISHED

In: The national interest, Volume 30, Issue 30, p. 21-32

Abstract

THE SCHOOL OF THOUGHT THAT HAS TRADITIONALLY CAST DOUBT ON THE ABILITY OF THE UNITED STATES--OR ANY COUNTRY--TO MAKE THE WORLD ANEW IS "REALISM." REALISM HAS BEEN ATTACKED FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS, AND DESPITE RECURRENT ONSLAUGHTS FROM LIBERALS, MARXISTS, PACIFISTS, ENVIRONMENTALISTS, DECONSTRUCTIONISTS, AND OTHERS, IT PERSISTS AS THE FUNDAMENTAL METHOD OF ANALYZING WORLD POLITICS. THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES: THE CAUSES OF WAR; THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM; THE CHALLENGE FROM POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC LIBERALISM; SOURCES OF OPTIMISM; THE PROBLEM OF PEACEFUL CHANGE; AND, MORALITY AND FOREIGN POLICY. AFTER THIS EXAMINATION IT CONCLUDES THAT THE UNITED STATES SHOULD RETURN TO SECURING AMERICAN POWER AND INTERESTS, AND TO STRENGTHENING THE CONDITIONS FOR ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE WORLD. IN THAT ORDER.