Paper

Paper Proposal

The major theories of international relation are realism and liberalism. Although they are broadly recognized as schools of thought, realism and liberalism, they are still recognized as theories of international relations. Realism has three subdivisions that explain what causes interstate conflict. They include classical realism that argues that the conflict comes from the nature of man, neorealist which associates conflict the elements of the state, and neoclassical realism which associates it to both human nature and elements of the state (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). However, liberalism operates on three tenets with the first one rejecting the notion that international relations’ only outcome is power politics. The next one emphasizes International Corporation and mutual benefit, while the last one executes nongovernmental players and multinational organizations for determining the preferences of the state alongside policy choices (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017).

The Important Aspects of International Relations Theory

Realism is one of the oldest and main theories of international relations and revolves around a few ideas or assumptions. The first assumption is that a country, usually referred to as a state, serves as the main actor in the international relations. While there are other actors like organizations and individuals, their powers are limited (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold ,2017). The second assumption is that the state acts as unitary player, usually speaking in a single voice on matters concerning national interests like war. The third assumption is that people who make decisions are rational players since rational decision-making results in the pursuance of the interests of a nation (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017).

Hence, those who generate decisions that may weaken a country do not pass as rational decision-makers. The theory further posits that leader, irrespective of their political stand, are aware of these assumptions since they try to manage their national affairs to ensure their survival. Last but not least, states exist in an anarchy context whereby they do not have one international leader (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017).

In most of the cases, realism takes past examples and therefore, emphasizes on the notion that nature influences people to continue with repetitive behavior patterns. At the center of this assumption lies the idea that people desire power since they are egoistic (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). Their selfishness coupled with their thirst for power and mistrust results in predictable effects. This view may explain the unending wars between and among nations. And because states are made and run by human beings, the nature of people influences the behavior of the state, particularly its security (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). One of the main concerns of leaders involves promoting the security of their countries.

Hence, to execute this endeavor, state leaders stay vigilant while coping to their both internal and external threats targeting their rule, in which case, a leader should act like a fox and a lion at the same time. In this case, a fox represents deception while a lion represents powers which are the most significant element needed in foreign policy (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold., 2017). Based on the view of Machiavelli, leaders adhere to the ethics of responsibility as opposed to the traditional morality guiding the common citizens. In essence, they act violently when there is a need to behave that way and manifest their goodness at other times to ensure the continued existence of the state (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). Many realists have argued that realism provides a more clear description of world politics’ image, making it one of the most used the theory across the globe when it comes to policymaking.

When considering one of the subdivisions of realism, structural realism or neorealism, developed by Kenneth Waltz, state decisions are made from a particular formula instead of coming from human nature (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). Initially, due to existing in a multinational system of anarchy, states are usually constrained. Then, action states follow is founded on their comparative power when assessed against others. Hence, this formula makes it possible to measure the power of a state, either physically or empirically, eliminating assumptions regarding human nature which is founded on given philosophical ideas which cannot be assessed either physically or empirically (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017).

Liberalism holds a state preference with capabilities and the determinants of the behavior of a nation (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). Liberalism allows for a plural state in the actions that are conducted. They interact in different ways including financial, economic, as well as cultural means. Preference varies from one state to another; thus, conflict arises when there are issues left pending in nations. Co-operation can be used for the absolute gains within a country (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold 2017). Peace can only be achieved through the liberal way of agreement between nations. Besides, international institutions have significant roles to play in the cooperation among nations or states.

Crucial Things in the Theory That Have to Been Addressed

Realism has one of the issues that will need to give an understanding of how nations interact. It reveals that each state seeks to improve its power for it to remain competitive, and that leaders’ behavior is characterized with power and deception for the continued existence of their states (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold, 2017). The middle ground, where constructivism theory stands, proves the mainstream part of the IR theory (McGlinchey, Walters, & Gold 2017). Constructivists address the interests between individuals and what they share when agreeing. The mainstream IR approach brings a clear and critical view of how international relations have changed in the past. The commonly held assumptions in the field of IR that have created central attention since its inception lie in the tenets or realism.

References