INTL 500 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY ESSAY_ INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS THEORIES 2025.docx

International Relation Theories 1

Essay: International Relations Theories

Name: Farhat Mir

Liberty University

INTL 500

Professor: David Holt

Date: 28th October, 2025

International Relation Theories 2

Abstract

Theory is a tool and a framework for the policy makers which shapes who they see the

importance of different events without a one on one basis communication between the theory

and the policy. Different policy makers have different mind sets and they interpret the events

based on their priorities and situations hence they can make the opposite decision. In this essay

I will discuss three different theories: realism, liberalism and conservatism of International

relations and factors behind these theories. There is a very strong and impactful relation

between international relations theories and policy making. I will also discuss the theories on

international relations and the

influence of these theories on policymakers.

International Relation Theories 3

but do not provide a holistic solution for policy making. Policy makers can look at the events

through the lenses of these theories to determine and interpret the policy. After policy makers

observe the events and the international politics based on their belief and objectives they want

to obtain they create a policy. Realism is the theory where international relations are viewed as

competitive, conflict driven, power and survival. “In the discipline of international relations

there are contending general theories or theoretical perspectives. Realism, also known as

political realism, is a view of international politics that stresses its competitive and conflictual

side. It is usually contrasted with idealism or liberalism, which tends to emphasize cooperation.

Realists consider the principal actors in the international arena to be states, which are

concerned with their own security, act in pursuit of their own national interests, and struggle for

International Relation Theories 4

experiences and the interaction with people rather than just receiving the information and

processing it through policymaking. Constructive theory focuses on building relationships,

sharing ideas and identities. The reality of international relations is not objective; it is

constructed on a social basis on interactions, sharing and understanding. “The term

Constructivism was adopted by

Nicholas Onuf in 1989 and introduced as "people and societies construct or constitute each

other". The main assumption of constructivists is that the fundamental structures of

international politics are social and these structures shape actors' identities and interests.

Therefore, the world is structured by both knowledge and material factors, according to

constructivists the main important relation is between agents and structures. Moreover,

aspirations—and this has also helped shape the theories and debates that form the core of the

field of IR. The US has given special voice to liberal theories of IR. Theories of IR can never stray

very far from issues about power—what it is and how it is exercised. But in the American

context, theory also cannot stray too far from liberal issues about democracy, markets and

international institutions” (Ikenberry, 2009). According to liberalism theory strong economic

International Relation Theories 5

organizations like the United Nations and the world trade organizations are the creation of

liberalism theory which provide a mutual framework for cooperation and help in resolving the

issues peacefully.

Are theories Pre-Packed conceptual tools policy makers apply to the interpretation of the

actual event?

Theories help policy makers to interpret the event not a one to one correspondence to the

event by itself. Different people can have different beliefs and understanding and they can have

different policies on the same event. Theories are not a prepackaged tool, it's a framework

They are composed of causal laws or hypotheses, explanations, and antecedent conditions.

Explanations are also composed of causal laws or hypotheses, which are in turn composed of

dependent and independent variables”(Wihbey et al., 2015).

Expressed differently, is there a 1/1 correspondence between a particular event and the

theory that explains it?

International Relation Theories 6

it's a framework and events are seen through the lens of this framework and based on the

interpretation the policies are created. Even the policymakers within the same theory will have

differences of opinion and preferences. Two realists might come to two opposite conclusions

based on how they see and interpret an event. Theory is a tool and policymakers have their own

experiences, preferences and understandings about the event and they can have their own

policies. Different policy makers take things differently. One realist might take a military solution

capable of maintaining power, stability and future aggression, whereas at the same time the

other realist might think it's risky and can cause financial and social problems which can

destabilize the region. Theory is a guideline, it does not dictate a policy. Theory is subjective and

it depends on the policy maker's belief, analysis and interpretation of an event. The relationship

Can you identify a particular IR theory that appeals to you as the better explanation of human

Each theory is a valuable tool and a framework for the policymakers and the importance of the

use of that theory depends on the interpretation. The most important thing is to determine the

strength of the theory which policymakers use to create a policy. Both constructivism and

liberalism are based on the same principles which are mutual understanding, cooperation and

social interactions. These theories are beyond self-interest and tunnel vision; it opens up world

International Relation Theories 7

phenomena such as war, peace, cooperation, oppression, economic development and creation

of international law. “Realism is a straightforward approach to international relations, stating

that all nations are working to increase their own power, and those countries that manage to

hoard power most efficiently will thrive, as they can easily eclipse the achievements of less

powerful nations. The theory further states that a nation’s foremost interest should be self-

preservation and that continually gaining power should always be a social, economic, and

political imperative” (Norwich University, n.d.).

interest.

Consider the structure of the US government as reflected in the Constitution (i.e.,

institutional checks and balances, power-sharing among federal and state authority, etc.)

Does this structure reflect a realist, liberal, or some other theory of human behavior? In

effect, is the ‘more perfect union’ of 1787 infused with a more realist or more liberal spirit,

or maybe a bit of both? Explain the possibilities concisely yet clearly with Examples.

International Relation Theories 8

that keep the operations effective. The US constitution is a blend of liberal and realist theories

of human behavior. Accountability is the check on power and it keeps the balance between

power and integrity. Liberal element in the US constitution emphasizes self-governance and

believes people are rational and believes in self-governance. It believes in liberalism by having

the elected representative in congress to represent the voice of people and the bill of rights

incorporates the liberal idea of giving people protection for their rights and freedom.

Realist elements in the constitution represent the separation of power and checks and balances

that its power checks the power of the other two branches; additionally, each branch of

The constitution of the US was signed in 1787 which created a stronger federal government and

the purpose of creating a more perfect union was to create a more stable government which

can assure equality, tranquility and justice to the nation. The more perfect Union of 1787

represented a blend of realist and liberalist spirits with practical compromises and ideological

International Relation Theories 9

republican government."(Library of Congress, 2015).

article of confederation is weak to function and protect their rights. The constitution was

created after a long list of negotiations and compromises to balance the interest of small and

power into legislative, executive and judicial branches to have accountability and not having one

union suggests constant improvement and changes to gain the goal. The founders of the

constitutions saw it as a foundation which could be amended depending on the future needs

and progress. Bill of rights is a prime example of liberalism theory with the idea of protecting

individual civil rights and civil liberties. Another example of liberalism in the constitution is the

towards a “more perfect union”.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed

by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the

pursuit of Happiness—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,

deriving their powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of

Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish