Theories of International Relations:
Liberalism and Realism
Introduction
International relations are the study of the academic discipline concerned with relating, conflict, and
coexistence of states and other international actors. At its core, IR has set a number of theoretical
frameworks through which a comprehension of world politics is made, among which Liberalism and
Realism are two broad and contrasting theories. While Liberalism focuses on the possibilities of peace
and cooperation through institutions, interdependence, and democracy, Realism relies on the anarchic
nature of the international system and the primacy of power and survival. This essay will try to explore
the principles of Liberalism and Realism, their historical evolution, their respective strengths and
limitations, and their relevance for addressing contemporary international challenges.
1. Realism in International Relations
Realism, one of the oldest theories in IR, is rooted in the writings of Thucydides, Niccolò Machiavelli, and
Thomas Hobbes. It is grounded in the belief that international politics operates in a state of anarchy,
where no central authority governs state behavior.
Main principles of Realism:
State-Centrism: Realists consider states to be the major actors in international politics, with each trying
to maximize their power and security.
Anarchy and self-help: International system characterized by anarchy, and states are made to rely on
their survival. A self-help-type system breeds competition and distrust.
Power and National Interest: Realism focuses on a search for power and national interest that drives the
course of action a state undertakes. The military strength and economic resource base are vital to any
state's power.
Inevitability of Conflict: Realists believe that conflict is an intrinsic feature of international politics
because of the struggle for power and security.
Historical Development of Realism:
Realism flourished during the Cold War because it described the bipolar contest between the United
States and the Soviet Union so nicely. Military power and strategic interests were the operational code
for realist theory; therefore, it corresponded to the geopolitical facts of the time. Other major thinkers
contributing to the Realist body of thought, in particular in Classical Realism and Structural Realism or
Neorealism, include Hans Morgenthau, Kenneth Waltz, and John Mearsheimer.
2. Liberalism within International Relations
Unlike Realism, Liberalism is optimistic in its approach towards international politics. It
It has emerged from Enlightenment ideals, then it took a firmer pace in the 20th century, emphasizing
cooperation, mutual benefits, and international institutions.
Main principles of liberalism:
Cooperation and Interdependence: The liberalist would also say that a state could cooperate on goals
through things like trade, diplomacy, and norms.
Democratic Peace Theory: Democracies would not go to war because democratic norms and institutions
would foster the peaceful resolution of conflict.
International Institutions: The United Nations and the World Trade Organization are necessary for
dialogue, dispute settlement, and good global governance.
Significance of Non-State Actors: In Realism, it was all about states, whereas in Liberalism, it recognizes
multinational corporations, NGOs, and international organizations as influential.
Historical Evolution of Liberalism
Liberalism hails its origin from works carried out by thinkers like Immanuel Kant and John Locke. It finally
took shape in the 20th century in the post-World War II era as international institutions such as United
Nations and Bretton Woods system were established. Scholarly works by the then-woodrow wilson,
Robert Keohane, and Joseph Nye evolved Liberalist ideas through add-on concepts of complex
interdependence and soft power, respectively.
3. Comparing Realism and Liberalism
Aspect Realism Liberalism
View of human nature Pessimistic humans are self- Optimistic humans can
interested and power-seeking cooperate and achieve mutual
benefits
Key Actors States are the dominant actors States, international
organization and non-state
actors play significant roles
Nature of system Anarchic and conflict - prone Anarchic but manageable
through cooperation
Primary concern National security and power Economic interdependence and
global governance
Conflict vs Cooperation Conflict is invitable Cooperation is possible and
desirable
These two further viewpoints on global interactions reflect different visions of realism, focusing on the
pragmatic realities of power dynamics, competition, and the pursuit of self-interest, while Liberalism
highlights the possibility of interconnectedness and cooperation, thus imagining a world much more
harmonious and peaceful.
Conclusion
Theories of International Relations, such as Realism and Liberalism, shed light on the intricacies of world
politics. Realism and Liberalism are the two poles of thought on the approaches to International
Relations, wherein, while Realism offers the no-nonsense view of power play and the inevitability of
conflict, Liberalism offers optimism toward a more interdependent and peaceful world. The two theories
are complementary and shed light on the diverse character of world politics rather than being mutually
exclusive. While Realism explains the perpetual causation of competition and conflict, Liberalism
suggests an alternative of cooperation and development. Together, they lay the framework for not just
analyzing the past of International Relations but also the present and the future.
References
1. Morgenthau, H. J. (1948). Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace.
2. Waltz, K. N. (1979). Theory of International Politics.
3. Kant, I. (1795). Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch.
4. Keohane, R. O., & Nye, J. S. (1977). Power and Interdependence: World Politics in Transition.
5. Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan.
