Realism and Meaning of Human Rights Norm With rampant violation of human rights norm, are norms relevant in international politics? What meaning do they have if they don't inform policy decisions? Can anything be done to strengthen the normative element of human rights protection on a large scale? Constructivists declare that norms, principles, regimes or ideas are important factors at play in the international system that mitigate pure self-interest and power politics that dictate behavior, according to the dominant realist worldview. However, the extent to which norms actually influence decision making is the real test of the relevance of constructivist arguments. Do norms and ideas influence state interests in any way? I will argue that the human rights norm has no significant impact on policy, while admitting that it does indeed exist in some form. And, for it to be meaningful, it must be internalized beyond the system level. Realism is not only the pervasive approach in international relations literature, but it is accurate in describing and anticipating state actions. Constructivists need a genuine response to realism, and to do this, norms must enter into rational decision making. This could take several forms, including increasing the costs of violating norms, introducing hegemonic power into the system, or redefining interests in terms other than material ones. Discussions in the literature analyze the impact of norms, regimes, ideas or principles on international relations, but often do not take a critical enough look at what is at stake. Realist politics hinders progressive and humanitarian initiatives because of its association with power and material capabilities… half of the paper… Realist international theory and the study of world politics.” in New Thinking in International Relations Theory. and. Doyle, Michael W. and G. John Ikenberry (eds.) (Westview Press: 1997). Klotz, Audie. “Interest-Reconstituting Norms: Global Racial Equality and US Sanctions Against South Africa.” International Organization, vol. 49, no. 3 (Summer 1995), 451-478. Krasner, Stephen D. “Structural Causes and Consequences of Regimes: Regimes as Intervening Variables.” International organization. vol. 36, no. 2, International Regimes (Spring, 1982), 185-205. Snyder, Glenn H. "Process Variables in Neorealist Theory." in Frankel, Benjamin (ed.). Realism: reaffirmation and renewals. (London, F. Cass: 1996). Zacher, Mark W. “The Norm of Territorial Integrity: International Borders and the Use of Force.” International organization. vol. 55, no. 2 (Spring 2001), 215-250.