Realism is a theory of international relations with long and widespread intellectual roots. While underlying assumptions have remained essentially the same, scholars and practitioners have refined the principles and rules of behavior for centuries

Trace this development, specifying who the primary contributors to realism have been and what the particular contribution of each has been.
What will be an ideal response?

Ideal Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Outline what realist theory is.
2. Compare and contrast those foundational principles of realism as they have changed or fallen out of favor over time, in the context of those which have remained constant. Such principles may relate to power, human nature, international order, and potential for peace.
3. If possible, students should cite examples such as World War I and the Vietnam War from the text to illustrate the development of realism in international relations.
4. Outline the primary contributors to realism, such as Sun Tzu, Hobbes, Machiavelli, Morgenthau, etc., and their particular contributions.
5. Perhaps conclude with an evaluation of the value of the contribution of each figure.