Paper

Mingzhi Hu

First Paper

3/5/2020

POLS 203

Application of Realism Theory on Civil war in Syria and International Relations

International relation can be best understood through the various schools of thought or

rather theories. They are significant in giving a comprehensive detail of the constructs that make

international relations. Realism theory still remains one of the most influential tools in

understanding events related to international relations. This is because it provides a pragmatic

approach in examining current events in the sphere of international relations (Maghroori, pg. 17).

Realism is divided into three subdivisions, seeking to explain causes of state conflict. This

include classical realism that argues that the conflict comes from the nature of man, neorealist

which associates conflict the elements of the state, and neoclassical realism which associates it to

both human nature and elements of the state. This school of thought is grounded on some

fundamental principles that make the core of its arguments.

The first assumption in realism is the idea that a country, usually referred to as a state,

serves as the main actor in international relations. It acknowledges the fact that there are other

actors like individuals and organizations, which have limited influence (Maghroori 11).

Secondly, the state is considered a unitary player, which is expected to work harmoniously, with

regard to matters of national interest. In addition, realists believe that the people who make

decisions are rational players, since this rationality is required in pursuing the interest of the

nation. In essence, the leaders are believed to understand these assumptions regardless of their

political position, so ensure their sustainability and continuity. Consequently, it is assumed that

states exist in an anarchy context, where there is no single international leader. In this

theorization, the role of nature in influencing human action is not ignored. It asserts that nature

influence people to continue acting in repetitive tendencies. In this assumption, it comes out that

people desire power because of the egoistic nature. The innate selfishness of human beings,

mistrust and their thirst for power explains the unpredicted consequences that can result from

their actions (Maghroori 20). Such human tendencies can explain the unending wars among

nations. Bearing the fact that nations are governed by human beings, their nature contributes

largely to their behavioral tendencies, which in turn influence its security.

Realist therefore assume that leaders have the responsibility to promote the security of

their country in all fronts. This can be realized through constant vigilance, that can be helpful in

developing proactive measures to deal with both internal and external threats. These threats

include those that target their rule or authority (Maghroori 15). This calls for a leader to be

tactful in his approaches, so as to achieve the utmost good of its people. In this way, for a state’s

continued existence, they need to act accordingly depending on the needs presented by a given

situation. Following this illustration, realists are focused in giving a perfect description of the

world’s politics, and its influence in policy making.

Syrians regime has been one of the largely debated issue in the recent past. The unrest in

the country, and recently in the North Western province of Idlib has raised several international

concerns (Doganay & Demiraslan 223). The major issue of concern has been the fact that Syria

has received little international support to bring to an end the destructive regime. The Syria

regime forces, that has been backed with the Russian militia have remained a central issue in

Syria, as the Syrians are fighting to get hold of their city. The sad thing is the fact that the

Turkish troop that was deployed in an effort to prevent the regime from entering and taking over

their city, did not stop them. The regime has stretched and taken control of most opposition -

based areas, including several villages in Idlib. Saraqeb as one of the largest cities in the country

side of Idlib was taken over, with the most concern being the large population it hosted (Schmidt,

pg. 31). With the continued use of violence, the Turkish militia that were deployed withdrew.

With the regime supported with both Russian and Iranian troops, the opposition still fights back.

This event can largely be explained with the realist approach to international relations.

Realist approach to international relations emphasizes on the need for the state to be primary

actors with others being of less significance. It believes that states have the highest authority in

the international system, assuming the position of anarchy. This school of thought is anchored in

the belief that states form the bodies of the other actors, including international organizations.

This means that states can influence the actions of international organizations. Russia alongside

with China as permanent members of the UN security council vetoed three responsibilities of the

UN to sanction the Syrian regime and stop violence (Schmidt 34). It is in this very light that

these states stopped Un from offering foreign military aid in Syria. The idea of sovereignty of a

state is also a central issue in Russia’s attitude towards Syria. The other assumption in the realist

school of thought that claims states to be self-interested is central in understanding this case.

Russia votes against the No-fly zone and the protection of civilians in the UN security council.

This is because Russia has interest in Syria based on its strategic geographical location, and

benefit accrued to the exports to the Syrian army is a central concern. They strongly believe that

this can be weakened when the violence is ceased (Doganay & Demiraslan, pg. 220). In this way,

their own well-being is supreme, as compared to the moral duty of humanitarian intervention.

This simply justifies the tenet that ethics are interpreted in the lens of politics.

This case also illustrates the realist idea that the behavior of states is primarily driven by

pursuit of power. Russian geo-strategic interest is core due to the strategic geographical location

of Syria in the middle east. Mosco and Tehran have mutual relation and share common interest,

including enmity with America, fear of radical Sunni Islam movements and economic

cooperation (Schmidt 36). Russia feels that if the regime is brought to an end, a democratic

system is likely to be established, which will gain prominence in the region, thus isolating Iran.

Russia therefore is interested in seeing President Assad remain in power, so that their influence is

not lost to the United States.

Work Cited

Doganay, Mehmet, and Hayati Demiraslan. "Refugees of the Syrian civil war: impact on

reemerging infections, health services, and biosecurity in Turkey." Health security 14.4

(2016): 220-225.

Maghroori, Ray. "Introduction: major debates in international relations." Globalism Versus

Realism. Routledge, 2019. 9-22.

Schmidt, Søren. "The Middle East Regional Security Complex and the Syrian civil war." The

War for Syria. Routledge, 2019. 17-36.