Who is widely regarded as the father of realism in international relations?

The distinction of being regarded as the father of realism in international relations is attributed to Hans Morgenthau due to his fundamental contributions to the understanding of international politics through a realist lens. In his seminal work, "Politics Among Nations," published in 1948, Morgenthau articulated key principles of realism that emphasize the role of power, national interest, and human nature in international affairs.

Morgenthau's perspective centers around the idea that states act primarily in their self-interest and seek to maximize their power in an anarchic international system. He argued that moral norms are often secondary to political necessity, implying that ethical considerations should not overly cloud the judgment of political leaders when it comes to national security and international politics.

His influence is evident in the development of subsequent realist theories, and his emphasis on empirical observation and historical analysis set the stage for how realism would evolve. This foundational work positioned him as a central figure in international relations theory, making him synonymous with the realization of power politics on the global stage.