According to realist theorists, how are alliances viewed?

Realist theorists in international relations view alliances primarily as tools for balancing power to enhance national security. This perspective stems from the realist belief that the international system is anarchic, meaning that there is no overarching authority to provide security or enforce cooperation among states. As a result, states must rely on their own capabilities to ensure their survival and pursue their national interests.

By forming alliances, states can strengthen their collective security against potential threats and enhance their relative power in the international arena. These alliances may involve military pacts or strategic partnerships that enable states to coordinate their responses to common security challenges, thereby allowing them to effectively counterbalance more powerful adversaries or mitigate threats. This pragmatic approach emphasizes the strategic and self-interested nature of state behavior, which is a central tenet of realist thought.

The other choices address aspects of international relations that are less emphasized in realist theory. Ideological commitments, cultural exchanges, and trade agreements may hold significance in other frameworks such as liberalism or constructivism, but they are not the primary focus of realist theorists who prioritize power and security over ideology or economic cooperation.