Hans J. Morgenthau's Political Realism, Max Weber, and the Concept of Power

Abstract

While Max Weber is widely acknowledged to be one of the major figures in 20th century social science, the relevance of his concepts for the study of international politics is generally neglected. This observation is particularly valid when it comes to his understanding of power and 'Herrschaft'. The intention of this article therefore consists in illustrating the affinity between Weber and classical realist approaches to international relations. As shall be argued, Hans J. Morgenthau—the founding father of political realism—reasoned in Weberian terms. By neglecting its Weber-inspired heritage, the realist tradition has lost sight of important features. Taking Weber seriously in international relations in general, and within its realist strand in particular, engenders a number of consequences for the study of international politics: it not only implies a necessity to consider relational power approaches, but also allows for the inclusion of 'soft power' approaches to realist thinking.