In clear and jargon-free style, explains the concept of power politics and provides an introduction to the principles of humanistic political realism. This book answers the questions: When and why do states resort to the use of force, and what are the uses and limits of force in conflicts among nations? What can we realistically expect from the United Nations, the World Court, arbitration panels, and other peaceful settlement techniques? What role do morality, ethics, and world public opinion play in the international interactions of nations?Accessible and stimulating, provides important historical context and will teach students how to think analytically about the issues of war and peace. It shows what approaches to peace have failed in the past and explains why they will fail in the future. Students will know what kinds of questions to ask when addressing past, present, and future foreign policy issues. The first contemporary work in international politics that addresses power politics, this text is ideal for courses in international relations, United States foreign policy, comparative foreign politics, international conflict, and national security.