Which thinkers are commonly associated with classical realism?

Classical realism in international relations is a broad tradition that draws upon both ancient political thought and mid-20th-century scholarship. While it is not a single, coherent school, it is defined by a shared skepticism toward the optimism of liberal internationalists and a focus on the roles of power, national interest, and human nature in an anarchic international system.1

Ancient and Historical Influences

Classical realists frequently cite several foundational thinkers whose works explored the nature of power and state behavior:
* Thucydides: Known for his analysis of the Peloponnesian War and the realities of power politics.12
* Niccolò Machiavelli: Examined history and power through an amoral, practical lens.31
* Thomas Hobbes: Provided insights into the state of nature and the necessity of sovereign power.1
* Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Max Weber: Also frequently referenced for their contributions to political philosophy.1

Mid-20th Century Contributors

The movement emerged as a self-conscious academic force following World War II, largely in response to the perceived failures of idealism. Key figures include:41
* E.H. Carr: His critique of liberal internationalism helped inspire the realist movement.1
* Hans J. Morgenthau: His seminal work, Politics Among Nations (1948), provided the essential theoretical framework for classical realism.451
* Other notable contributors include George F. Kennan, Reinhold Niebuhr, Arnold Wolfers, Robert Strausz-Hupé, and Henry Kissinger.41