The development of realism in international

relations has seen changes and developments over

time, and leading thinkers have helped to refine
and elaborate concepts of realism Here is a
chronological order of the evolution of realistic
thinking:
1. Classical Realism (17th to 20th centuries):
 Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679): Hobbes is
generally regarded as the forerunner of
realism. In "Leviathan" (1651) he laid the
groundwork for arguing for power,
selfishness, and the need for a strong central
authority to deal with the chaos inherent in
human nature
 Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527): Although
it predates formal development,
Machiavelli's "The Prince" (1513) is
influential in its practical approach to
politics, which including power and the
pursuit of the national interest
 Hans Morgenthau (1904–1980): In the mid-
twentieth century, Morgenthau's "Politics
among Nations" (1948) became a
foundational text for classical realism. He
emphasized the role of sovereignty and the
 national interest, that politics is guided by
objective rules that can be traced.
2. Neorealism (mid-20th century):
 Kenneth Waltz (1924–2013): Waltz's "Man,
State, and War" (1959) and "Theory of
International Politics" (1979) marked the
transition to neorealism or structural realism
Waltz focused on the international system
aggressive policies and the distribution of
power between states
 Robert Jervis: Jervis contributed to neorealism
through his work on the dilemma of security
and the role of ideas in international relations.
His book, "Perception and Misperception in
International Politics" (1976), examined how
states' misunderstandings can lead to conflict.
3. Aggressive realism (late 20th century to
present):
 John Meyers Heimer (1947–2019): Meyers
Heimer expanded realist thinking with his
theory of offensive reality, presented in "The
Tragedy of Great Power Politics" (2001), He
argued that states are innate motivate them to
increase their power and security through
aggressive means.
4. Modern Reality (late 20th century to present):
 Stephen Walt: Walt and Mearsheimer have
contributed to modern realism. Their co-
authored work includes "The Israel Lobby and
the U.S."
 Barry Posen: Posen's work in defence studies,
especially in "The Sources of Military Theory"
(1984), has helped to develop realistic theories
through issues such as military strategy,
alliances, and the balance of power as he
examined the source.
The evolution of realist thought has involved
a transition from classical realism, which
emphasized human nature and leadership,
to neorealism, which focused on the
structural constraints of the international
system. Contemporary realists continue to
engage with evolving global dynamics,
adapting and refining realist principles in
response to contemporary challenges.
Realism remains a prominent and influential
perspective in the study of international
relations.