How to Survive a Hostile World: Power, Politics, and the Case for Realism

by Patrick Porter

The oldest ideas are the best. This book is a defense of an ancient way of thinking about international realism. Patrick Porter, a scholar of international relations, defends the realist approach to understanding the world by addressing head-on the most robust critiques of the tradition. Drawing from a wide literature, Porter restages three prominent criticisms of that it is immoral, unrealistic, and provincial. In erudite, clear, and at times morbidly funny prose, Porter makes the case that realism is, in fact, everything its critics believe it is moral in its commitment to securing the polity and its interests in a world where there is no higher government; realistic and the best starting point for explaining how human groups tend to behave; and practical for use by everyone, everywhere, including beyond the Euro-Atlantic.

  From Thucydides to Kautilya to Machiavelli, realists claim that the world is an inherently dangerous place defined by the shadow of conflict, whether we like it or not. As the 21st century grapples with multiple interlocking crises concerning economic dislocation, climate change, and war, we need realism now more than ever. This book is for readers who are looking for sensible guidance on how to work within that reality and survive in an increasingly hostile world.

Genres: Politics

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Matej Sekulić · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an introductory book to realist theory, however, it is packed with historical and political context. Thus, the audience for this book are certainly young professionals in the field.

Porter approaches the explanation of realism from a systemic presentation of political events throughout human history and their outcomes. His take on realism is certainly one of restraint, not seeking power for its own sake, but rather wielding it for specific goals. He also presents realism as not tied to an ideology, but rather, an approach every country takes always. In his view, realism just is.

While liberal institutionalism and international trade cannot be dismissed as invalid foreign policy options (as they have worked somewhat) they cannot exist in a vacuum. They are supported by extensive network of government and military actors looking to increase the states self-interest.