power, politics, and the case for realism Porter, Patrick 1976- creator author aut http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators/aut text bibliography Print books. cau 2025 monographic eng

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192 pages "The oldest ideas are the best. This book is a defense of an ancient way of thinking about international politics: realism. Patrick Porter, a scholar of international relations, defends the realist approach to understanding the world by addressing head-on the most robust critiques of the tradition. Drawing from a wide literature, Porter restages three prominent criticisms of realism: that it is immoral, unrealistic, and provincial. In erudite, clear, and at times morbidly funny prose, Porter makes the case that realism is, in fact, everything its critics believe it is not: moral in its commitment to securing the polity and its interests in a world where there is no higher government; realistic and the best starting point for explaining how human groups tend to behave; and practical for use by everyone, everywhere, including beyond the Euro-Atlantic. From Thucydides to Kautilya to Machiavelli, realists claim that the world is an inherently dangerous place defined by the shadow of conflict, whether we like it or not. As the 21st century grapples with multiple interlocking crises concerning economic dislocation, climate crisis, and war, we need realism now more than ever. This book is for readers who are looking for sensible guidance on how to work within that reality and survive in an increasingly hostile world"-- Provided by publisher. Realism is moral -- Realism is realistic -- Realism is for everyone. Patrick Porter. Includes bibliographical references and index. Political realism International relations World politics 21st century JZ1307 .P67 2025 9781503641839 2025017702 au 250413 20260208131135.0 24153122 eng