Core idea: statecraft and the national interest

Statecraft

• The art of conducting public affairs

3 things statecraft is guided by

1. Power

2. Objective laws

3. National interest

2 things statecraft is not guided by

1. Universal principles of morality

2. Ethical considerations

National interest for realists

• Relative gains (gains = increase in power)

2 reasons to fight a war

1. To protect vital national interests at stake

2. Cost-benefit analysis of outcomes = :)

Reason not to fight a war (+2 examples)

• Morality

  • Communism — 🇻🇳

  • Nuclear weapons — 🇮🇶