Bringing in Darwin: Evolutionary Theory, Realism, and International Politics

Abstract

Realists offer various reasons why states are driven by self-interest and a desire to dominate others. Classical realists grounded their explanations in theology or metaphysics. Neorealists such as Kenneth Waltz argue that the anarchic nature of the international system compels states to engage in self-help behavior. Bradley Thayer of the University of Minnesota at Duluth offers another alternative. He posits that egoism and domination, two "critical components of any realist argument in explaining international politics," are the products of evolution. In grounding realism in evolutionary theory, Thayer maintains that he is according realism the scientific legitimacy it has lacked thus far.