Was Thucydides a Realist?

Thucydides, the great historian of the Peloponnesian War, is often hailed as the founding father of the realist school of international relations. But to what extend was Thucydides a realist?

Political realists make a number of claims, and contemporary realists disagree about what, precisely, realism entails. Nevertheless, realists tend to agree on these two things: 1) the actions of states are guided by their interests, and 2) moral values have little to do with international relations.

The prime exemplar of Thucydides apparent realism is the Melian Dialogue.

For Thucydides, wars are fought over three things: fear, honour, and interests.

The Sicilian Expedition.