<P> Jonathan Haslam from the University of Cambridge characterizes realism as "a spectrum of ideas ." Regardless of which definition is used, the theories of realism revolve around four central propositions: </P> <Ul> <Li> That states are the central actors in international politics rather than individuals or international organizations, </Li> <Li> That the international political system is anarchic as there is no supranational authority that can enforce rules over the states, </Li> <Li> That the actors in the international political system are rational as their actions maximize their own self - interest, and </Li> <Li> That all states desire power so that they can ensure their own self - preservation . </Li> </Ul> <Li> That states are the central actors in international politics rather than individuals or international organizations, </Li> <Li> That the international political system is anarchic as there is no supranational authority that can enforce rules over the states, </Li>

Who do realists believe are the primary actors in international relations