The theory of political realism in international relations was proposed by Hans Morgenthau. Morgenthau argued that politics is governed by objective laws rooted in human nature, emphasizing the role of power in international interactions. His work highlighted the competitive and often conflictual nature of states, suggesting that national interests, particularly security and power, drive international behavior. Morgenthau's ideas laid the foundation for realist thought, influencing policymakers and scholars alike in understanding global politics through a lens of pragmatism and the pursuit of national interests, often at the expense of moral considerations.