Question

Morgenthau's principles of political realism are:
(A) Politics is rooted in permanent and unchanging human nature which is basically self-centered, self-regarding, and self-interested
(B) Politics is an autonomous sphere of action and cannot therefore be reduced to morals
(C) International Politics is an arena of conflicting self-interests
(D) The ethics of international relations is situational ethics which is very different from private morality
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. B, C and D only
• B. A, B, C and D
• C. A, B and C only
• D. A, B and D only

Hint:

Morgenthau’s political realism focuses on the unchanging nature of human behavior and emphasizes national interest and power over morality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding Morgenthau’s Principles.
Hans J. Morgenthau, a prominent realist theorist, proposed key principles of political realism, emphasizing the role of power, human nature, and the autonomy of politics from moral considerations.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) Politics is rooted in permanent and unchanging human nature: Morgenthau believed that human nature is inherently self-centered and driven by power, which shapes politics.
- (B) Politics is an autonomous sphere of action: Morgenthau argued that politics cannot be reduced to moral principles; it must be viewed independently.
- (C) International Politics is an arena of conflicting self-interests: Morgenthau emphasized that global politics is a battleground for states’ competing self-interests.
- (D) The ethics of international relations is situational ethics: Realist ethics are situational, different from private moralities, as decisions must be made based on national interest and power.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (2) A, B, C and D as all the principles listed are central to Morgenthau's political realism.