Impact of the Realistic Theories of International Relations on Development of International Law

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of realistic theories of international relations on the development of international law. Realists, because of the anarchy in the international system, focus on power rather than the law. For this reason, they consider the relationship between power and law as a confrontational one. However, this research seeks to prove the hypothesis that power creates and advocates the rules of international law. Since the establishment of the sovereignty of nations, gradually rules to regulate the relations between States were developed. After that, the major powers took over the administration of international relations. History of international relations also shows that, in the period known as the hegemonic stability, although the hegemony benefited from the rules of international law in its own interests, it has acted as the main supporter of the rules of international law to maintain international stability and security. This paper, from a historical viewpoint, aims to examine the role of power in development of international law, by using a descriptive- analytic method