Laws

Returning to its historical origins, political realism bases its theory on the axiom: No ethical argument has ever stopped anyone from pursuing conquest if the opportunity presents itself. This claim is made by the Athenians during the debate in Sparta, described by Thucydides in Book I of The Peloponnesian War. 1 It implies that in international relations, political considerations outweigh ethical ones. Power is the primary determinant of international politics. Powerful states will strive for conquest and domination, and no ethical or moral argument will deter them in this pursuit. They will pursue conquest “if the opportunity presents itself,” meaning when circumstances are favorable, and such circumstances are associated with the weakness of other states.