In clear and jargon-free style, A Primer in Power Politics 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? The first contemporary work in international politics to address power politics, this text is ideal for courses in international relations, U.S. foreign policy, comparative foreign politics, international conflict, and national security.