2. Why is power at the heart of realistic perspectives on international relations? The discipline of international relations (IR) contains several theories that contain theoretical perspectives on the idea of ​​power. From the realist perspective, there are two approaches that help portray realist theory, the classical realism approach and the neorealist approach. Both classical realism and neorealism have been subject to criticism from IR scholars and theorists representing liberal and constructivist perspectives. The key principles of realism contain three essential characteristics of international relations: the state, anarchy and the balance of power. This essay will carefully analyze these three characteristics with particular attention to the power that is at the heart of the realist perspective. The Oxford Dictionary attempted to define power as the “ability to influence people or control their behavior.” Power has been associated with different forms such as political, economic, military and even psychological. Power is widely considered the classic determinant of interstate conflict. Realists view power as a source of state preference. Animosity is constantly aroused around power relations, which in turn determine why states go to war and why politicians emphasize the role of power in conditioning distance. There is a non-linear power relationship between the plural perspectives of realism. Realists view states as the primary actors in international relations because they are deeply concerned about their own nation's security, especially in pursuit of the national interest. However, from this perspective, there has been some skepticism about the relevance of morality and ethics...... middle of paper ...... anarchy to be autonomous via threats , coercion and “soft power”. Using coercion is hard power. Persuasion and attraction are soft power. Realism is a theory basically about power and security, states seek power and security because they exist in a self-help system, people seek power, people seek prestige above all else, they seek autonomy. Realists do not believe in the utopian project which would ensure perpetual peace in the world. All states are functionally the same, they all must perform similar tasks to function. Keeping this in mind, power is historically unsurpassable, which is why realists believe that if states do not have the ability to protect themselves, especially regarding their military capabilities, their nation will not be secure nor can it be perpetuated in a state of security. anarchic international system.A