| This study examines realists' proposition of military warfare as the primary tool used to achieve favorable foreign policy outcomes. Prior to contemporary terrorists' attacks, one could argue that threats to the international system could be clearly defined in terms of inter-state conflict. Following the Cold War, the realists' theoretical view received more attention than any other international relations theory. The increase in activities among non-state actors, such as terrorists, their networks, and other non-uniform combatants that are not sovereign entities, unlike states, in which the dominant theories, particularly those of realist orientation, are predominantly concerned, has challenged some of the major realists assumptions. Therefore, it becomes necessary to question the relevance of realism in explaining international security and its ability to provide immediate and applicable foreign policy recommendations. To attain this objective the ongoing attempts to combat terrorism by the United States in Afghanistan and Iraq are examined using the United States National Security Strategy as the analytic framework. The research design used in the study is mostly qualitative using a mixed methodology incorporating case studies, interviewees, and historiography. |
