Question

How would comprehensive security differ from realism? Which do you think would be better? Why?

Answer 1

Political realism was described as both the "oldest theory" and the "dominant" theory of international politics. The idea of "security" is fundamental to the practical tradition. Realism sees states ' vulnerability as the main issue in international relations. This depicts the international system as a world in which "self-help" is the primary motivation; states have to provide themselves with protection because no other entity or individual can be counted on to do so.Realists, however, offer different theories as to why protection is scarce, outlining a variety of underlying mechanisms and causal factors such as man's inherent desire for power; conflicts of interest occurring between states with different resource endowments, economic systems, and political orders; and the "ordering theory" of global anarchy. We also indicate numerous factors that can exacerbate or strengthen the fundamental security issue, such as polarity, changes in the overall balance of power, the "offense-defense balance" and domestic politics.

Several alternative approaches to international relations have challenged the fundamental realistic account of the security issue, including democratic theory of peace, economic liberalism, and social constructivism. Realism also outlines different strategies that states can pursue to make themselves safer, such as maximizing power, international alliances, arms racing, socialization and innovation, and institutions and diplomacy.

Realistic concepts generally define "defense" as state security and place particular emphasis on maintaining the territorial integrity of the state and the physical security of its citizens. A state is thought to be free if it can withstand or discourage a hostile attack or stop other states from forcing it to dramatically change its actions or abandon core political values. His creation can be contrasted with alternate interpretations of "protection," which are either personally or internationally based and do not benefit the state or include non-violent threats to human life.

Modern interpretations of realism were based on a similar basis. The central idea common to all modern versions of realism is that "the existence in chaos of multiple states allows the security of each issue and enables them to fight for power and/or protection with each other." The importance of obtaining protection for most realists has far-reaching effects on states, motivating them to behave in some predictable ways and removing those states that struggle to compete effectively. If protection were not a concern–either because individuals or states stopped taking care of it or because it was guaranteed efficiently–rational theory would lose much of its analytical capacity.