Intro- Realism is concerned with the world as it actually is rather than how it is ought to be. In other words, it is an empirical rather than a normative paradigm It is the hegemonic school of IR. Based on Westphalia world order and is state centric. It views power as the only way to protect national interest. Context: The great debate during 1930s and 1940s between idealists and realists on dealing with Nazi Germany , forms the origins of this school the world is torn apart by the particular interests of different individuals and groups. In such a conflictual environment, order is based on power, not on morality. - EH carr in his book - Twenty years crisis,1939 Swami Vivekananda - described the world as a gymnasium where nations come to make themselves strong. Hobbes- Described countries as always “in the state and posture of Gladiators; having their weapons pointing, and their eyes fixed on one another.” Classical realism: Classical Realist theory explains international relatio...