Understanding Morgenthau's Quote on Interest and Power

The question asks to identify the scholar who stated that statesmen "think and act in terms of interest defined as power". This is a famous quote that forms a cornerstone of a major theory in international relations.

This particular phrase is directly associated with the classical realist school of thought in international relations. Realism, in essence, views international politics as a struggle for power, and states as the primary actors pursuing their national interests.

Let's look at the options provided:

• Morgenthau
• George F. Kennan
• Harold Nicholson
• Henry A Kissinger

The statement "interest defined as power" is a central concept developed by Hans J. Morgenthau. He articulated this idea in his influential book, "Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace". For Morgenthau, power is the immediate aim, and defining interest in terms of power provides a rational basis for analysing international politics, abstracting from personal motives or ideological preferences of statesmen.

Other options represent significant figures in international relations and diplomacy, but this specific formulation of interest defined as power is attributed to Morgenthau:

• George F. Kennan: Known for his "Long Telegram" and the concept of containment during the Cold War, he was a diplomat and historian.
• Harold Nicholson: A British diplomat and writer, known for his works on diplomacy and its methods.
• Henry A. Kissinger: A prominent diplomat, former U.S. Secretary of State, and national security advisor, known for his practice of realpolitik. While influenced by realism, this specific quote is not his.

Therefore, based on the foundational texts of international relations theory, the quote "statesmen think and act in terms of interest defined as power" is a direct contribution of Hans J. Morgenthau.

Key Concepts in Morgenthau's Realism

Hans J. Morgenthau's approach to international relations, known as classical realism, is based on several principles. The idea of interest defined as power is one of the most important.

• Politics is governed by objective laws: These laws have their roots in human nature, which is inherently self-interested.
• Interest is defined in terms of power: This principle provides the key analytical tool. Power can take many forms (military, economic, political, cultural), and states constantly seek to increase or maintain their power.
• Power is not static: Its meaning and application change over time and context.
• Universal moral principles cannot be applied directly to state actions: States must prioritize national survival and interest over universal morality, although moral considerations are not entirely irrelevant.
• The moral aspirations of a nation are not universal moral laws: Nations tend to clothe their particular interests in universal moral terms, but this is not the reality of international politics.
• Political realism is distinct from other schools: It focuses on power and interest rather than law, economics, or morality as the primary drivers of state behaviour.

This framework helps explain why states often prioritize security and capability (power) in their interactions, making the quote a concise summary of a core realist tenet.

Revision Table: International Relations Thinkers

Additional Information on Interest Defined as Power

The concept of "interest defined as power" is not about glorifying power for its own sake, but rather about using it as an analytical tool. Morgenthau argued that understanding state behaviour requires looking at the actions and policies of states through the lens of how they affect the state's power relative to others. This allows observers to understand state actions objectively, regardless of the stated motives of statesmen.

Defining interest in terms of power provides a way to navigate the complexities of international affairs by focusing on the underlying dynamics of power struggles. It assumes that states are rational actors seeking to survive and thrive in an anarchic international system, and that power is the primary means to achieve these goals. This perspective has been both highly influential and widely debated in the field of international relations.