In the context of international relations, "realism" is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the competitive and often conflicted nature of international politics. Realists argue that states act primarily in their own self-interest, driven by the pursuit of power and security. They view international relations as a struggle for dominance among states, where morality and ideology play secondary roles. Realism highlights the importance of military capability, state sovereignty, and the anarchic nature of the international system, making it a foundational theory in understanding global interactions and conflicts.