Realism theory is one of the main foundations for understanding and analyzing international relations, focusing on the central role of the state and national interests within the international system. Since its inception, realism has emerged as a key analytical framework for understanding the dominant forces in global politics and the decisions made by great powers. Realism is based on the premise that states primarily work to promote their national interests and protect their national security in an international environment filled with competition and conflicts.

The British Academy for Training and Development offers the course "The Theory of Realism in International Relations and Its Perspective on International Interests", which aims to provide participants with a deep understanding of the foundations and analytical tools of realism theory, in addition to how this theory can be applied to analyze complex and contemporary international situations. This course will enhance participants' ability to understand global developments from a realist perspective and how this viewpoint influences international interests today.

Who Should Attend?

• Researchers in international relations and global politics.
• Diplomats and Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees.
• Students of political science and international relations.
• Individuals interested in analyzing international politics and formulating diplomatic strategies.
• Consultants in international relations and foreign affairs.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• Have a comprehensive understanding of the foundations and concepts of realism theory in international relations.
• Analyze the role of national interests and security in global policies.
• Develop the ability to apply realist concepts to analyze the current international situation.
• Enhance participants' skills in interpreting international crises and conflicts using the framework of realism.
• Explore the impact of great powers on international relations within the current global system.

• The Concept of Realism in International Relations

  • Definition of realism in the context of international relations
  • The emergence and development of realism as an analytical approach
  • The difference between traditional realism and modern realism

• Foundations of Realist Theory: Power and Security

  • The role of power in international relations
  • The relationship between national security and international policies
  • The concept of "anarchy in the international system" in realism

• Realist Thinkers and Their Key Ideas

  • Founders of the theory: Hobbes, Mackinder, Morgenthau
  • Differences between various realist schools (traditional realism and offensive realism)
  • How their ideas influence contemporary international politics

• National Interests and Priorities of States

  • How states define their national interests in global contexts
  • The relationship between domestic politics and foreign interests
  • The effect of economic and military factors in determining national interests

• The Role of Ideology in Shaping Realist Policies

  • How realist policies are affected by prevailing ideologies
  • Study of the impact of ideologies on the concept of national security
  • The impact of values and principles on decision-making in the context of realism

• Strategies for States to Achieve Their Interests under Realism

  • How to use military and economic power to achieve national interests
  • The role of international alliances in protecting interests
  • Analysis of the strategies of major powers (e.g., the United States and China)

• Realism and Current International Conflicts

  • Analyzing contemporary conflicts (e.g., the Russia-Ukraine war, crises in the Middle East)
  • Applying the principles of realism to explain these conflicts
  • Strategies of great powers in dealing with international crises

• New Challenges in the International System

  • Rising tensions between major powers in the international system
  • Contemporary economic and political challenges within the context of realism
  • How technology and environmental changes affect international politics

• Realism and Relations Between Major Powers

  • Analyzing the balance of power between the United States, China, and Russia
  • Global competition for influence and control in strategic areas
  • The impact of economic and military transformations on conflicts between major powers

• Using Realism to Analyze International Crises

  • How to apply realism to explain political and economic disputes
  • Analyzing the behavior of great powers in times of crises
  • Studying the influence of local political values on strategic decisions of states

• The Role of Realism in Foreign Policy Making

  • How realism affects foreign policy decisions
  • How to use realism to formulate strategies to respond to international threats
  • Analyzing U.S. policy in the Middle East using realism

• Realism in Strategic Analysis of Future Threats

  • How to predict and plan future policies using a realist framework
  • Studying potential threats in security and economic contexts
  • The role of geographical and political facts in shaping strategic expectations

• Critique of Realism: Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Shortcomings of realism in analyzing certain global phenomena
  • Criticisms of realism from other schools of thought (e.g., liberalism and Marxism)
  • Analyzing the limits of realism in explaining international cooperation and peace

• Realism Facing Globalization

  • The impact of globalization on concepts of security and international politics
  • How the strategies of major powers are affected by global factors
  • Can realism adapt to the challenges of globalization?

• The Future and Directions of Realism Theory in International Relations

  • How can realism theory adapt to transformations in global politics?
  • The role of realism in understanding future challenges such as technology and future wars
  • Predictions about the continued relevance of realism as an analytical framework in international relations