Hans Morgenthau, Classical Realism and its Recommendations for the Polish Foreign Policy

Abstract

The article deals with the theory of classical realism presented by Hans
Morgenthau in his works and recommendations for the Polish foreign
policy that can be formulated on the grounds of that theory. Its aim is to
analyze basic assumptions of classical realism referring to the mechanisms of
international relations and relate them to the problems of the contemporary
foreign policy of Poland. It concerns the assessment of the power, objectives
and instruments of the foreign policy of the Republic of Poland as well as the
two most important neighboring states – Germany and Russia.
The discussion presented in the article is based on a systematic research
method, but first of all it alludes to the method of analyzing the conditions
for political decisions developed in Morgenthau’s works. The author
makes a conclusion that, independent of the proceeding globalization and
integration processes, including the European integration, the priorities to
implement national interests and the states’ rivalry for power remain the
basic mechanisms of international politics. That is why the efficient foreign
policy of Poland should take them into account in its analysis of international
relations. The European integration modifies the environment in which the
rivalry for power takes place but it does not change the character of the
struggle. This kind of change could be made only by a complete federalization
of the European Union.