Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part E (2025)

In International Relations, Realism emphasises power, security, and survival of the state in an anarchic international system. However, there is a difference among realist scholars about the role of morality in leading state behaviour or actions. The father of classical realism is Hans Morgenthau. He also knows that, as the founder of Classical realism, he believes that ethical responsibility and carefulness should guide power politics and keep a balance between national interest and moral consideration. In contrast, John Mearsheimer is known for offensive realism. He focused on survival and power maximisation. Also, he gives less importance to morality. Where Morgenthau gives more focus on morality, and Mearsheimer emphasises survival. So, this paper shows a theoretical approach of Morgenthau and Mearsheimer, applying them to the ongoing conflict of Russia-Ukraine (2022-present) as a specific case study. This analysis shows how morality and survival shape a state’s behaviour and what are the relevance of these theories in today’s international relations.