APPROACHES TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THEORIES IN IR

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International Relations-PSC 201

LESSON 02

APPROACHES TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THEORIES IN IR

(CONTINUED FROM LECTURE 1)

Political Realism

Realism emphasizes assumes that all nation-states are motivated by national interests, or, at best, national

interests disguised as moral concerns. Realism seeks to preserve political autonomy and territorial integrity

of nation-states.

Once basic interests are secured, national interests may take different forms. Some states may have an

interest in securing more resources or land; other states may wish to expand their own political or economic

systems into other areas. Generally speaking, national interest must be defined in terms of power.

National power has an absolute meaning since it can be defined in terms of military, economic, political,

diplomatic, or even cultural resources. For a realist, power is primarily a relative term: does a state have the

ability to defend itself against the power of another state? Does a state have the ability to coerce another

state to change that state's policies?

The realist conception of the international system is an anarchical environment. All states have to rely upon

their own resources to secure their interests, enforce whatever agreements they may have entered into with

other states, or to maintain a desirable domestic and international order.

For a realist, there should be no authority over the nation-state. Realism tries to describe politics rationally,

not on the basis of morality, but there is no universally acceptable definition of power. Realists also think

there is a constant struggle of power as power is the ultimate aim for all states, which is not necessarily the

case. Hans Morgenthau and Henry Kissinger are famous realists.

"Realism", as Robert Gilpin once observed, "is founded on a pessimism regarding moral progress and

human possibilities." From the realist perspective, incompatible goals and conflict are the defining features

of world politics. Without enforceable international rules, decision makers have little choice but to compete

with other states for security, status, and wealth. The competition is expected to be difficult, since the others

are also likely to view their power resources and security positions in relative terms.

Tenets of Liberalism

Liberal and or neo-liberal theorists try to identify a common basis for international cooperation and

interaction. Liberal theorists think that multiple actors are important to understanding outcomes in

international system: states, MNCs, NGOs, etc. (these actors are not necessarily unitary or rational).

Economic, social and military goals motivate these actors to act and multiple means are used to achieve

their goals. For liberals, the anarchic character of the interstate system does not imply that policy makers

face an unchanging situation of international conflict. The prospect of economic, technological, and cultural

benefits may give policy makers reasons to cooperate with other states. These include asymmetries in

interdependence, military or issue specific power (where different states have power on different issues, e.g.

OPEC countries have power with respect to oil prices not political issues)

According to liberal theorists, the anarchic international system is mitigated by norms and rules of

international law and trade. Governance without government is the ideal system for global organization

according to liberals. Liberals are particularly against the interference of the government in economic

processes.

Idealism

Idealists regard realism as a passing phase of history. They envision a world free of power politics and

violence. Idealists have great faith in international organizations and universal education in achieving this

end. But crushing totalitarianism with democratic principles is not easy. Idealism can be frustrating given

the lingering turmoil evident in the world. Rousseau, Kant and Woodrow Wilson were famous idealists.

Relevant Vocabulary

Anarchy: lack or absence of political organization

International Relations-PSC 201

Mitigated: lessened, alleviated or eased

Interstate: between states

Assume: to take for granted

Lingering: ongoing or continuing. Global poverty for example is a lingering problem.

Suggested Readings

Students are advised to read the following chapters to develop a better understanding of the various

principals highlighted in this hand-out:

Chapter 1 in `"A Study of International Relations" by Dr. Sultan Khan.

Internet Resources

In addition to reading from the textbook, please visit the following web-pages for this lecture, which

provide useful and interesting information:

Liberalism and Realism

http://homepages.stmartin.edu/Fac_Staff/rlangill/PLS%20300/Competing%20World%20Views-

Lamborn.htm

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