The Concept of War in Political Realism

The article deals with the concept of war in modern political realism. Realism claims to have an original notion of war, which distinguishes it from empirical war studies and from other schools in international relations theory. Realism does not have a strict formal definition of war like empirical studies do, it focuses on understanding the causes and nature of war instead. The distinction between realism and other international relations theories like idealism, Marxism or constructivism consists in the realist notion of politics. Realism understands politics as an eternal struggle for power that underlies all social life, while war is the most intense manifestation of this struggle. Thus, the possibility of war cannot be eradicated. The article shows the normative aspects of such understanding of war. Realism, unlike pacifism or just war theory, is less enthusiastic about ethical or legal regulation of war; furthermore, it shows the dangers that may be caused by political moralism and “criminalization” of war. On the other hand, realism fails to provide a set of norms or principles that would surpass the just war principles. The realist principles of national interest and prudence are as vague, unclear and prone to misuse as classic just war principles are. Author draws a conclusion that to be able to create a valid set of principles of war, realism needs to further converge with international relations theory schools and “enlarge” the set of its base theoretical notions.

Are You an Observer or a Supporter of War?

This chapter presents a framework for narratives of war news in consideration of Galtung's war and peace journalism theories. News narratives are discussed in the light of BBC's ethical principles of war journalism. Additionally, transformation of war journalism with the advances in communication technologies is analysed. The method of research is through review of literature and interviews in depth. Five war journalists were interviewed. These five Turkish journalists witnessed five different eras. Ergin Konuksever is the oldest war journalist in Turkey. He was reporting the news from Cyprus Peace Operation in 1974. İsmail Umut Arabacı is the first journalist to announce ‘Operation Peace Spring' live from the border. Cem Tekel is the editor and war journalist who joined the operation. Coşkun Aral is an international Turkish photographer and war journalist. He won SIPA PRESS award in 1977 with his photograph of 1st May National Labor Day. Kerim Ulak is an A Haber editor and journalist who joined the operation. His news about the operation turned out to be fake.