What are the central beliefs of the Realist school of International Relations?

Realists (sometimes more specifically termed 'neorealists') believe that the international system is defined by anarchy, meaning the absence of a central authority. It is from this core belief that realist assumptions about the nature of the international system flow. In this anarchic system, realists argue that differences in power between states is key to determine and order relations between them. For realists, state power- military power, economic power, diplomatic power, etc.- is the only important variable between states. Therefore, states are only bound by their capacity to coerce and be coerced by others. For this understanding of international relations, it is thus the most powerful states in the system- the Great Powers- which deserve the greatest focus. Realists view the primary interest of states as being survival, and therefore states use their power to maximise their chances of survival. This emphasis from Realists on anarchy and power leads them to view international institutions and international law as unimportant; that is, they reflect the balance of power, but do not constrain or influence state behaviour. Key realist thinkers include Waltz and Mearsheimer.