The world of international politics has changed dramatically since Hans J. Morgenthau first articulated the principles of political realism in the aftermath of the Second World War. Empires have collapsed, the Cold War has ended and technological advances have transformed the nature of global interaction. Yet, despite these changes, Morgenthau’s ideas continue to offer valuable insights into the conduct of American foreign policy.Morgenthau argued that international politics is fundamentally a struggle for power among states pursuing their national interests. He rejected the notion that foreign policy could be guided solely by moral principles or ideological aspirations. In his view, statesmen must recognise the realities of power, geography and national interest if they are to avoid costly strategic mistakes. More than half a century later, many of the dilemmas confronting the United States appear to validate his observations.

Morgenthau’s significance lies not only in his emphasis on power. Equally........

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