“Whatever It Takes”: Danger, Necessity, and Realism in American Public Policy

Abstract

There are two mentalities of rule, idealism and realism, which differ in their assumptions about how far government policy can be guided by principles alone. The late 1990s were a highpoint for idealism, but the 21st century has proved to be an age of realism. During recurrent crises, American leaders have bent principles and pledged instead to “do whatever it takes” to protect vital interests. The conditions that encourage the realist mentality—turbulence, uncertainty, and danger—will persist in coming decades. We should learn more about how realist statecraft works in democratic states.