Peace through Transformation? Political Realism and the Progressivism of National Security

Abstract

Transformationalist thinking is plentiful. The Iraq invasion is the latest example of its failure. Is international political reality destined to be the 'realm of recurrence and repetition'? This article delineates a political theory of moderate progress found in Hans Morgenthau's political realism (Realism). Realism recognises the potentiality of transforming international relations, but, warned by its political anthropology, it envisions a distinct philosophy of politics as an effective means for achieving peace. It makes the case for a foreign policy of national security and humility, believing in progress by other means. Based on a renewed engagement with its concepts of the state, national interest and national security, Realism is shown to be critical and progressivist, restrained and realistic. Its nature and structure makes it intellectually incompatible with conservative organicist projects; nor is it reconcilable with radical critical agendas. In search for allies, Realism shows a potential affinity to a moderately Leftist politics and foreign policy.

Waltz and the world: Neorealism as international political theory?

“…4 Levine (2013) doubts that realism fully merits being termed 'critical'. Other terms that have been used are 'reflexive' realism (Steele, 2007) and 'progressive' realism (Scheuerman, 2011;Schuett, 2011). 5 Although Waltz himself sometimes employs the term 'international political theory' (see Waltz, 2008, pp.…”

“…Whereas neorealism's place within the broader realist tradition is defined by Waltz's attempt to develop a deductive, explanatory theory (Guzzini, 1998;Donnelly, 2000;Molloy, 2006;Behr and Heath, 2009), recent reengagement with realism has emphasized not only its ethical component (Murray, 1997;Lebow, 2003;Williams, 2005), but also its reformist agenda (Cozette, 2008b;Scheuerman, 2011;Schuett, 2011). Realism is increasingly depicted, in contradistinction to neorealism, as a kind of international political theory which, among other things, considers what goods can and should be promoted in international politics.…”

Chasing Morgenthau, or: What Is Political Realism?

“…Likewise, surging interest in pre‐Waltzian realism has debunked many realpolitik myths associated with this venerable political philosophy. So‐called “classical” realism’s renaissance is remarkable, particularly as to its most consequential proponent, Hans Morgenthau (for example, Lebow 2003; Williams 2005, 2007; Molloy 2006; Scheuerman 2009, 2010; Schuett 2010, 2011).…”