1. Is Realism Policy Relevant? Evidence from Ukraine and Taiwan
- Author:
- Nikolaos Lampas
- Publication Date:
- 03-2023
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
- Abstract:
- Criticism of realism is based on a largely superficial understanding of the paradigm. Critics treat realism as a one-dimensional approach. Realism is a paradigm that encompasses different and sometimes mutually contradictory approaches. Realist scholars strongly opposed U.S. military interventions, such as Iraq, which have proved disastrous. Offensive realism’s rationale is unconvincing in the case of Ukraine. However, the international community’s response falls well within the realist paradigm. Deterrence remains a vital policy recommendation of realism, as evidenced by the U.S. response to the Taiwan debacle.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Military Intervention, and Realism
- Political Geography:
- Europe, Ukraine, Taiwan, and Asia