Does Realism still provide a convincing analysis of international relationships ?

Abstract

Realism arose as a theory after World War II because of the perceived failure of a world guided by Liberal Internationalist principles. The tension fraught era of the Cold War were ideal conditions for the stark, suspicious pragmaticism espoused by the likes of E.H. Carr and Hans J. Morgenthau. However, in today's increasing interdependent world where the use of force has been virtually outlawed and human rights have been brought more to the forefront than ever before, Realism looks past its expiry date. Its narrow-minded, state centric focus is striking for its inability to take into account the fact that ultimately, the people who make up the state are human beings, and like all human beings possess the faculty to dream.
...