Dismantling Realism: The Hidden Influence of Morality and Emotion in Global Affairs
While modern international relations often prioritize power and security, recent geopolitical shifts suggest that ethical considerations play a larger role than previously acknowledged. The prevailing Western-centric framework faces new scrutiny as the Global South challenges established norms.
Key takeaways
- International Relations as a discipline is largely rooted in American social science and postwar Realist theory.
- Realism frames the world as an anarchy where states are forced to prioritize power and national interest above all else.
- The Global South had little influence in designing the norms and institutions that govern modern global politics.
- Recent geopolitical crises demonstrate that ethical considerations and public emotions remain significant drivers of political action.
The Grip of American Realism on Diplomacy
Modern political discourse relies heavily on a standardized vocabulary including concepts such as deterrence, strategic autonomy, and the balance of power. This framework originates largely from the work of Hans Morgenthau, whose postwar Realist theory defines the global system as an anarchy where states must aggressively pursue their own interests to survive. As Stanley Hoffman famously observed, International Relations effectively developed as an American social science, with its primary academic and practical roots firmly planted in the United States.
Challenging the Emotionless Paradigm
Despite the prevailing view of global politics as a cold, power-focused discipline, current crises indicate that moral and emotional drivers frequently outweigh sterile strategic calculations. The existing international order was established when European powers and the United States held unilateral control, often excluding the Global South from the formation of governing institutions and rules. Recent events, such as the September 26, 2025, Bengaluru protests in solidarity with Palestine, highlight how public sentiment and ethical condemnation of military actions continue to shape the political environment outside of traditional power-play metrics.
Why It Matters
The reliance on Realism as a default language for newsrooms and classrooms limits the understanding of how ethics influence state behavior. By viewing global events strictly through the lens of national interest, observers may overlook the profound impact that historical grievances and moral imperatives have on diplomatic initiatives and public movements.
Key Facts
- Hans Morgenthau’s Realism became the dominant framework for understanding international affairs following World War II.
- Scholar Stanley Hoffman characterized the study of International Relations as a uniquely American Social Science.
- The current global institutional framework was designed primarily by Western powers, leaving the Global South with minimal input.
- Mass public demonstrations, like those seen in Bengaluru in 2025, illustrate the role of solidarity and ethics in reacting to geopolitical conflicts.
Source: The Hindu — World
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