How does realism in military ethics perceive war?

Realism in military ethics fundamentally views war through a pragmatic lens that emphasizes the reality of power dynamics and outcomes rather than moral considerations. From this perspective, the ethical evaluation of military actions often prioritizes effectiveness and results over traditional moral frameworks. This means that the assessment of war is largely based on the consequences achieved, such as strategic advantages or political stability, rather than the ethical implications of the methods used to achieve those outcomes.

In this context, realists argue that moral considerations may be insufficient or irrelevant in the face of the harsh realities of international relations and warfare. They maintain that in order to ensure national security and achieve necessary objectives, military leaders may need to adopt a position that transcends conventional moral imperatives.

This approach can lead to controversial implications, where actions like deception or collateral damage are framed as acceptable if they lead to a favorable outcome. Thus, realism separates military ethics from moral judgments, which positions it as a distinct philosophy that prioritizes results over ethical dilemmas inherent to warfare.