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Int. Rel Notes

The lecture discusses two dominant theories in International Relations: Realism, which views the international system as anarchic and conflictual with states prioritizing power and survival, and Liberalism, which posits that cooperation and absolute gains are possible through multiple actors and institutions. Key concepts include the Balance of Power in Realism and Democratic Peace Theory in Liberalism. The next lecture will introduce Constructivism, emphasizing the role of ideas and norms in shaping international relations.

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4 views2 pages

Int. Rel Notes

The lecture discusses two dominant theories in International Relations: Realism, which views the international system as anarchic and conflictual with states prioritizing power and survival, and Liberalism, which posits that cooperation and absolute gains are possible through multiple actors and institutions. Key concepts include the Balance of Power in Realism and Democratic Peace Theory in Liberalism. The next lecture will introduce Constructivism, emphasizing the role of ideas and norms in shaping international relations.

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Gio Carlos
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Class: POLI 101 - Introduction to International Relations

Professor: Dr. Anya Sharma


Date: November 17, 2023
Topic: Lecture 10 - Theories of IR: Realism vs. Liberalism

I. Framing Question:
Why do states behave the way they do on the global stage? Two dominant
theories offer competing answers.
II. Detailed Notes:
A. Realism: The Pessimistic View
 Core Assumptions:
1. The international system is anarchic (no central authority
above states).
2. The primary actors are states, which are rational, unitary
actors.
3. The primary goal of every state is survival and the pursuit
of national interest, defined in terms of power (military,
economic).
4. Security is a zero-sum game; one state's gain is another's loss.
 Key Thinkers & Concepts:
o Thucydides (History of the Peloponnesian War): "The strong do
what they can and the weak suffer what they must."
o Thomas Hobbes: Life in a state of nature is "nasty, brutish, and
short" – the international system is like this.
o Balance of Power: States will form alliances to counter any
rising power and prevent hegemony. Classic example: The Cold
War.
 Types of Realism:
o Classical Realism: Human nature is inherently selfish and
power-seeking (Hans Morgenthau).
o Neorealism/Structural Realism (Kenneth Waltz): It's not human
nature, it's the structure of the anarchic system that forces
states to compete.
B. Liberalism: The Optimistic View
 Core Assumptions:
1. The international system, while anarchic, is not inevitably
conflictual.
2. Multiple actors matter: not just states, but also International
Organizations (UN, WTO, IMF), NGOs (Amnesty International),
and multinational corporations.
3. States are not unitary; domestic politics (type of government,
public opinion) influence foreign policy.
4. Absolute gains are possible; cooperation can make everyone
better off.
 Key Concepts:
o Democratic Peace Theory: Democracies are extremely unlikely
to go to war with each other.
o Complex Interdependence (Keohane & Nye): States are tied
together through multiple channels (economic, cultural,
diplomatic), making war extremely costly.
o Institutions: International laws and organizations facilitate
cooperation, reduce transaction costs, and build trust.
III. Comparison Table (Whiteboard Recap):

Feature Realism Liberalism

Cooperation & Absolute


Core Motive Power & Survival
Gains

Key Actors States States, IOs, NGOs, MNCs

View of
Defining, conflictual A condition to be managed
Anarchy

Mechanism for Balance of Power Institutions,


Peace (deterrence) Interdependence, Democracy

IV. Next Lecture:


We will add a third major theory: Constructivism, which argues that ideas,
identities, and norms—not just material power—shape international
relations. Read Wendt, "Anarchy is what States Make of it."

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