| Realism is a two-dimensional theory of International Relations that sprung from the mid-20th century pen of Hans Morgenthau. It was a useful construct to explain 19thcentury European balance of power politics and for the most part, the actions of the main protagonists during the Cold War. Notwithstanding purported improvements and modifications associated with its various progeny, Realism's contemporary analytic value is problematic. Despite Realism's universal and 'timeless' empirical and iconic pretensions, by the end of the Cold War, the theory had limited explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive value.;The families of Realisms, including neo-Realism, are stepped in confusion over means and ends; agents and structures; and wholes and parts. International Politics cannot be properly understood or thought to exist as an independent and closed system in which specific outcomes can be calculated with regularity and precision in two-dimensional causal terms based upon normative distillations of human nature. Explanations of global politics as a linear function of interests defined as power among nations maintain limited relevance in the 21 st century. Rather, world politics constitutes a complex interactive system. Clausewitz's nuanced, insightful, and non-linear approach to theory and method, as well as more recent developments in Critical Scientific Realism and Complex Systems Theory, provide the basis for a new non-linear theory of International Relations. Complex Realism provides the potential for more accurate, nuanced, and scientific understandings of evolving, emergent, and adaptive 21st century realities. The core tenets of Complex Realism have already been embraced by the US military in terms of tactics and operations in its approaches to fighting counterinsurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan. They should now be applied at the scholarly and grand strategic levels to better understand broader issues of international politics including security, and formulating policies for such daunting global challenges as the weaponization of space. |
