Divisions between realism and liberalism

Question 1

What are some divisions between liberals and realists over human nature ?

Answer 1

Liberals

• view human nature as self interested but guided by reasons
• States use reason and co-operation
• Development individulaism - similar..

Realists

• Reject ideas on reason and rationality
• Take the Hoban view on human nature arguing that poore, nasty, brutish and short
• selfish , self interested
• Nation states are driven by power

Question 2

What are some divisions on power between realists and liberalists ?

Answer 2

Liberals
- Soft power rather than miltary resources supported by NYE
- International organisations increase nation state power rather than threaten it ie Eu , which also provides national security
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Realists
- Support miltrainism
- Hard power
- Power is zero sum ( there’s winners and losers )
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Question 3

According to liberals what is the inevitability of power compared to the realist view ?

Answer 3

• Liberals argue that conflict can eb avoided specifically when there’s economic interdependence which forces nation states to co-operate peacefully
• This differs from the realist view because they argue that conflict is very likely and

Question 4

What are divisions between liberals and realists on ideas of international organisations ?

Answer 4

Liberals

• Favour international organisations such as the Un, World bank etc because it promotes co-operation
• increases state power ..
• International orgnsiations are a forum to build links and trust between stats

Realists

• Realists argue that international organisations threaten sovereignty
• Useful only to gain power- own interest

Question 5

Order , security and conflict. Name the divisions .

Answer 5

Liberals
- The international system is one of complex interdependence which brings order and security

Realists
- International anrchy is the constant of the internationla system
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Question 6

What is the significance of state ?

Answer 6

Realists
- States are the predominat actors in global politics
- Main aim of states is survival
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