Morgenthau, Hans (1904–1980)

A founding proponent of an approach to the study and practice of international politics known as political realism. As the father of the realist theory of international relations, Hans Morgenthau consistently argued that international politics is conflict-based and subject to the competitive nature of humankind. He remains the central figure in international relations scholarship and in the ongoing debate over the continued relevance of realist thought in the post–Cold War era.

The son of a physician, Morgenthau was born in Coburg, Germany, on February 7, 1904. He earned early degrees in law at the Universities of Munich and Frankfurt and practiced law until 1930. In 1932, Morgenthau went to teach in Geneva, Switzerland and eventually became a Professor of International Law at the Institute of International and Economic Studies in Madrid, Spain.

In 1937, Morgenthau came to the United States, seeking citizenship and intellectual freedom. Fluent in English, French, German, and Spanish, he held many teaching posts. His influence as a scholar of political science established, his book Politics Among Nations(1949) literally defined the field of diplomacy and the post–World War II shift in power alignments.

Realism is an approach to the study and practice of international politics, which claims that national interest is the primary motivator of international relations. National interest can be characterized by military, economic, political, diplomatic, or even cultural objectives, but it must be defined in terms of power. For the realist, power is important only in regard to its comparison and dominance over rival power. The ability to coerce, successfully defend, or achieve parity are important differences among states and the emphasis of the realist approach. Underlying the approach is the notion that international relations resides in anarchy, and states are motivated by their interests to either enforce or abandon agreements to maintain desirable order. In achieving this goal, nation-states must rely on their available resources, understanding that there is no authority over their sovereignty.

[Page 478]Until his retirement in 1971, Morgenthau was regarded as an intellectual giant in the truest sense. His dominance among scholars of the realist school of international relations was unquestioned. Yet Morgenthau had a vital moralist side that never outeclipsed his realism. Toward the end of his career, Morgenthau lamented the decline of the public realm. His liberal values found expression in his opposition to the Vietnam War, the subjugation of ethics to the values of the market, and the neglect of pressing issues such as housing and education.