Realism vs. Liberalism in International Relations

Basic Assumptions of Realism - Anarchy: International relations is an anarchic realm - Unlike domestic politics, no overarching power to enforce law or punish Aggressive behavior - Statism: States are key actors - International organizations are tools used/controlled by powerful states - Survival: States act to maintain/increase their power in order protect interest and ensure Survival - Self-help: Absent for any overarching power, states must provide for themselves Implications of Realist Worldview - Competition and conflict an inherent dimension of international relations - State leaders cannot be tightly bound by ethical constraints in international Relations – this is irresponsible and dangerous - Nor should state power be used to wage “moral crusades” – states must only strategically Use their resources to maximize their power and advance state interest Classical Realism v. Structural Realism - Classical realists - Root conflictual & competitive nature of international system in “human nature” - Uncertainty drives fear, suspicion, distrust, etc. - This is how humans behave under conditions of anarchy - Draw upon assumptions of Hobbes, Machiavelli - Structural realism

- Argue that it is not “human nature” but the structure of the international system That makes it conflictual - Amidst conditions of uncertainty and anarchy, it is perfectly rational for state to act in Order to maximize their power - Certain configurations of the power will produce different results in terms of stability And interaction Basic Assumptions of Liberalism - Progress/Change: Possibility for significant change in the character of international relations Over time - Non-uniformity of states: Unlike realism, liberals argue that states do not behave according To a singular logic - Cooperation: Prolonged cooperation is possible among states in the international system And can serve state interest - Institutions: States agreeing to be mutually bound by international agreements and treaties Can introduce regularity and predictability in international politics