Basic Information

Question 1

x2 main theories of international relations

Answer 1

REALISM — The oldest of the two, the dominant theory until the early 20th century

LIBERALISM — Emerged as a challenge to the pessimism of the realist theory

Question 2

g

Answer 2

Each theory has different views about human nature motivations of state the nature of power et cetera

For example Liberals believe states cooperate to achieve peace and security but realists argue that war is inevitable

Question 3

what is realism?

Answer 3

A wider school of thought in international relations theory that believes that world politics will remain a field of conflict among actors pursuing power

Question 4

what is liberalism?

Answer 4

A wide school of thought in international relations theory that rejects power politics as the sole outcome of international relations instead emphasising mutual benefits and cooperation

Question 5

main divisions between realism and liberalism

Answer 5

Human nature

Power

Order and security

The likelihood of conflict

International organisations

The significance of states

Question 6

human nature

Answer 6

REALISM — Human nature is selfish

LIBERALISM — Human nature is altruistic

Question 7

power

Answer 7

REALISM — There is a finite amount of power so states compete in a zero sum game for power

LIBERALISM — Power is unlimited and Allstates can gain it, it is not a game of winners and losers

Question 8

order and security

Answer 8

REALISM — International anarchy mean states act with impunity lack of trust between state leads to a security dilemma peace can only be maintained by the emergence of a hegemon or a balance of power

LIBERALISM — The international system is characterised by cooperation and complex interdependence

Question 9

the likelihood of conflict

Answer 9

REALISM — The security dilemma means that conflict is inevitable

LIBERALISM — It is in the states interest to cooperate so conflict can be avoided and is not inevitable

Question 10

international organisations

Answer 10

REALISM — International organisations are doomed to fail or at best be ineffective the lack of trust between states and the pursuit of national interest will render corporation difficult there is a danger that such organisations will be dominated by great powers or a global
hegemon

LIBERALISM — International organisations are growing in number and influence

Question 11

the significance of states

Answer 11

REALISM — States are the principal actors in the international system, they reflect selfish human nature by pursuing their national interest, states are unitary rational and amoral (not guided by any sense of morality or justice)

LIBERALISM — States are not the only important actors in the international system and they are declining importance, states are not necessarily self interested they can be guided by moral principles, they are not unitary actors