• Theories of International Relations
• Significance of International Relations
International Relations Theoretical Approaches
Liberalism and Idealism
Liberalism:
• Core Ideas: Emphasizes cooperation, rule of law, international organizations, and the
spread of democracy. It posits that states can work together to achieve mutual benefits
and that war is not inevitable.
• Key Concepts:
• Interdependence: States and their fortunes are linked, making cooperation
beneficial.
• International Institutions: Bodies like the UN and WTO facilitate cooperation
and manage conflicts.
• Democratic Peace Theory: Democracies are less likely to go to war with each
other.
Idealism:
• Core Ideas: Advocates for a world based on ethical norms and values, emphasizing
international law, moral principles, and global governance.
• Historical Context: Prominent in the interwar period, particularly in the formation of
the League of Nations.
• Key Figures: Woodrow Wilson, who championed the idea of collective security and
international cooperation.
Realism
• Core Ideas: Views international relations as a struggle for power among self-interested
states. It asserts that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no central
authority above states.
• Key Concepts:
• State Sovereignty: States are the primary actors and prioritize their national
interest and survival.
• Balance of Power: States seek to ensure that no single state becomes too
powerful.
• Human Nature: Pessimistic view of human nature, suggesting that conflict is
inevitable.
• Key Figures: Thucydides, Niccolò Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, Hans Morgenthau.
Neo-Realism (Structural Realism)
• Core Ideas: Builds on classical realism but focuses on the structure of the international
system rather than human nature.
• Key Concepts:
• Anarchy: The international system lacks a central authority, which compels
states to act in self-interest.
• Distribution of Capabilities: The structure of the international system is
defined by the distribution of power among states.
• Security Dilemma: States’ actions to ensure their own security often threaten
the security of others.
• Key Figures: Kenneth Waltz, who introduced the theory in his book "Theory of
International Politics."
Neo-Liberalism
• Core Ideas: Shares some assumptions with realism about the anarchic international
system but argues that cooperation is possible through institutions and interdependence.
• Key Concepts:
• Complex Interdependence: Multiple channels of interaction between states
and societies reduce the likelihood of conflict.
• International Regimes: Sets of rules, norms, and procedures that facilitate
cooperation.
• Institutionalism: International organizations and laws help mitigate anarchy
and promote cooperation.
• Key Figures: Robert Keohane, Joseph Nye.
World System Theory
• Core Ideas: A Marxist approach that analyzes the global economic system as a
complex network of core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral states.
• Key Concepts:
• Core Countries: Dominant capitalist countries that exploit peripheral countries
for labor and raw materials.
• Peripheral Countries: Less developed countries that provide labor and raw
materials to core countries.
• Semi-Peripheral Countries: Intermediate states that exploit peripheral
countries but are also exploited by core countries.
• Key Figures: Immanuel Wallerstein.
Feminist Theory
• Core Ideas: Examines how international relations affect and are affected by both men
and women, highlighting gendered power structures.
• Key Concepts:
• Gender Analysis: Understanding how international politics is gendered and
how traditional IR theories overlook women's experiences and contributions.
• Security Redefined: Broadening the concept of security to include issues like
human trafficking, sexual violence, and economic inequality.
• Key Figures: Cynthia Enloe, J. Ann Tickner.
Significance of International Relations
1. Global Peace and Security:
• Conflict Resolution: Understanding the causes of conflicts and developing
strategies for resolution.
• Preventing Wars: Through diplomacy and international organizations like the
UN.
2. Economic Development:
• Trade Agreements: Facilitating international trade and economic growth.
• Global Cooperation: Addressing global economic challenges through
cooperation and policy coordination.
3. Human Rights:
• Advocacy and Protection: Promoting and protecting human rights through
international laws and norms.
• Humanitarian Aid: Providing assistance to those affected by conflicts and
natural disasters.
4. Environmental Sustainability:
• Global Environmental Policies: Coordinating efforts to tackle climate change
and environmental degradation.
• Sustainable Development Goals: Promoting sustainable development
practices.
5. Cultural Exchange and Understanding:
• Diplomatic Relations: Building mutual understanding and respect among
nations.
• Educational Programs: Promoting cultural exchange and international
education.
6. Global Governance:
• International Law: Establishing and maintaining international legal standards.
• Multilateralism: Addressing global challenges through collective action.
