Table of Contents

1. Introduction ............................................................... 2

2. Realism in International Relations ............................2

2.1 Main Principles of Realism ......................................2

2.2 Historical Development of Realism ........................ 3

3. Liberalism in International Relations ........................4

3.1 Main Principles of Liberalism .................................5

3.2 Historical Development of Liberalism .....................6

4. Comparing Realism and Liberalism ..........................6

5. Conclusion ................................................................. 7

6. References ................................................................. 7

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Theories of International Relations: Liberalism and Realism

1. 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.

2. Realism in International Relations

Realism, one of the oldest theories in IR, has its origins in the writings of Thucydides, Niccolò
Machiavelli, and Thomas Hobbes. The realists hold that state behavior reflects human nature,
which is innately selfish and driven to pursue power. The international system is described as
anarchic: There is no authority to implement and enforce norms and standards or arbitrate
conflicts. The absence of a central authority makes for a self-help system wherein states must
count on their own capabilities in order to survive. In that respect, power becomes the currency
of the realm in international politics. Realists view that the primary concern of states is their
security. They invest in military power and alliance to deter any potential threats.

2.1 The main principles of Realism

1.State-Centric Approach

States are considered the major and most important actors in international relations.

They are unitary actors which pursue their national interests, mainly security and survival.

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2. Anarchy in the International System

Realists argue that the international system does not have a central authority for law
enforcement, hence inherently is anarchic.This anarchy compels states to become their own
help in securing their interests.

3. Power as the Central Concept

Power, mostly defined as a function of military and economic capabilities, is the key instrument
for a state to protect its survival.Balance of power among states is fundamental for stability and
prevention of dominance by any one state.

4. Human Nature and Rationality

Realists view human nature as basically egoistic and warlike, which is manifested in the
behavior of states.States act rationally to maximize their power and security in a competitive
environment.

5. National Interest

States give more importance to their national interest, generally defined in terms of power and
security, rather than ideological or moral principles.

6. Inevitability of War

An anarchic system coupled with incompatible interests preordains war between nations as
inevitable.

2.2 Historical development of Realism

1. Classical roots (Ancient to Renaissance)

"History of the Peloponnesian War" by Thucydides : He explained the conflictual power

struggle between Athens and Sparta and stressed how fear, honour, and interest impelled the
action course of state.

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Niccolò Machiavelli ,In his work "The Prince," he postulated that rulers have to weigh between
power and pragmatism and morality for their states to survive.

Thomas Hobbes, The work "Leviathan" underlined the anarchic state of nature, drawing an
analogy with the international system in which, due to the absence of overarching authority, "a
war of all against all" ensues.

2. Modern Realism (20th Century)

Realism as a formal theory emerged in reaction to the perceived failure of liberalism and
idealism in preventing World War II. Hans Morgenthau: Often considered the father of modern
realism, Morgenthau's "Politics Among Nations" (1948) outlined the principles of political
realism, focusing on the pursuit of power and the inevitability of conflict.

3. Structural (or Neorealism)

In the 1970s, Kenneth Waltz introduced structural realism or neorealism in "Theory of

International Politics." According to Waltz, the structure of the international system, especially
the distribution of power, is more influential on state behavior than human nature. Neorealism
focuses on systemic factors such as the balance of power and polarity-unipolarity, bipolarity,
multipolarity.

4. Defensive and Offensive Realism

Defensive Realism : It is supported by scholars like Waltz, who indicate that states basically
pursue security and avoid unnecessary wars.

Offensive Realism : John Mearsheimer expounds this theory, saying that states strive to
maximize power for dominance and survival.

3. Liberalism in International Relations

Liberalism in International Relations (IR) is a theoretical framework emphasizing the role of

cooperation, institutions, and interdependence in fostering peace and stability among states.

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Originating in the Enlightenment era, liberalism is grounded in the belief that human beings are
rational and capable of building societies that prioritize freedom, equality, and justice.

3.1 Main principles of liberalism

1. Human Nature and Rationality

Liberalism views individuals and states as rational actors who seek to maximize their welfare.

Unlike realism, which sees the international system as anarchic and conflict-driven, liberalism
emphasizes the possibility of cooperation and mutual benefit.

2. Democratic Peace Theory

A key tenet of liberalism is that democracies are less likely to engage in wars with one another.

This is based on the idea that democratic governments are accountable to their citizens, who
generally oppose war.

3. Economic Interdependence

Economic ties between nations reduce the likelihood of conflict, as war becomes costly and
counterproductive.Trade and globalization create shared interests, encouraging peaceful
coexistence.

4. International Institutions

Liberalism underscores the importance of organizations like the United Nations, World Trade
Organization, and International Monetary Fund in promoting cooperation and resolving
disputes.These institutions establish norms, facilitate communication, and reduce the
uncertainty that can lead to conflict.

5. Rule of Law and Human Rights

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Liberalism advocates for a global order based on the rule of law and the protection of individual
rights.It emphasizes the importance of treaties, international law, and norms in shaping state
behavior.

3.2 Historical Development of Liberalism

Classical Liberalism (17th-19th centuries) : Thinkers like John Locke and Immanuel Kant laid the
philosophical foundation for liberalism, emphasizing individual freedom, equality, and the
possibility of perpetual peace.

Modern Liberalism (20th century onwards) : Scholars like Woodrow Wilson and Robert
Keohane adapted liberal ideas to the realities of international politics, focusing on the role of
institutions, interdependence, and governance.

4. 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 States, international

actors 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

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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.

5. 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.

6. 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.