Realism & Liberalism (DP IB Global Politics: HL): Revision Note

Realism

• One way to look consider different perspectives and interpretations is through theories, models and frameworks

  • Theories explain why and how things happen

  • Models provide a representation of the theory

  • Frameworks outline key components and variables of the theory

• None of these are more correct or more true than another - they simply offer alternative ways to see the world

What is realism?

• Realism claims that it describes the world as it really is rather than how it should be

• The main claims of realism are

  1. People are by nature selfish and cruel - and the same applies to states

  2. The only actor worth considering is the state

  3. The state will always put its own interests first

  4. All states desire to be the most powerful state

  5. Global governance is an illusion

Classical realism

• Classical realism's origin can be traced to 16^th-century Europe

• Because states, like humans, are selfish and cruel, conflict and competition are driving forces of global politics

• Humans and states all desire to have more power than anyone else, and this often leads to conflict

Structural realism

• Structural realism emerged in the late 20^th century

• Structural realists agree with the foundations of classical realism, but argue that the structure of the international system, rather than human nature, is what forces states to pursue power

• They make five main assumptions

  1. States operate in an anarchic system, so global governance is an illusion

  2. All states possess some offensive military capability, so claims the military is for defence only are not true

  3. States can never really know the intentions of other states

  4. The primary goal of all states is survival and that will never change

  5. States are rational actors

• Although realism is a bleak political theory, it does recognise that stability and peace are possible

  • If the balance of power between states is maintained 

  • As states are rational actors, they won’t act in ways that would likely lead to their own destruction

Key structural realist theorists

John Mearsheimer	Kenneth Waltz
Argues that great powers are driven by the need to maximise their power and ensure their survival in an anarchic international system This often leads states to compete for regional dominance, which explains conflicts such as rising tensions between major powers (for example, the United States, China, and Russia)	Argues that the behaviour of states is mainly shaped by the structure of the international system rather than by human nature or individual leaders Believed the anarchic system and the distribution of power between states encourage countries to balance against stronger powers in order to maintain stability

Liberalism

• Liberalism is the dominant political theory in contemporary politics

  • It attempts to explain what is needed to maintain or develop peace and security

• The main claims are 

  1. Human beings want to live peaceful and fulfilling lives and are not seeking conflict

  2. Governments should work to improve the lives of their citizens to secure peace

  3. Democracies, though not perfect, are the fairest and most stable form of government

  4. States are important actors in global politics, along with many other actors who are involved in political issues with varying degrees of power

  5. The international system works best with cooperation

Classical liberalism

• This theory emerged in 17^th-century Europe and emphasised the goodness of human nature and the moral obligations of people and states

• The following would best ensure peace:

  • Democracy

  • Free markets and free trade

  • International institutions promoting cooperation 

Neoliberalism

• Neoliberalism emerged in the latter half of the 20^th century

• Neoliberals agree with classical realists but acknowledge that states can act selfishly

• They therefore cannot be trusted to work collaboratively for the betterment of all and:

  1. Institutions must be in place to facilitate and monitor cooperation (e.g. IGOs)

  2. There must be international mechanisms of enforcement (e.g. international courts, sanctions)

  3. Economic interdependence will lead to benefits which will encourage states to cooperate further

  4. Governments should minimally interfere with economic matters and leave the running of essential services to experts

  5. Private sector actors, including companies, should not be heavily restricted

Key liberal theorists

Martha Nussbaum	Amartya Sen	Michel Foucault
Developed the capabilities approach, which argues that justice should be judged by whether people have the real freedom and opportunities to live a dignified life Emphasises the importance of human rights, global justice and the role of institutions in protecting basic human capabilities	Argues that development should be measured by the freedoms and capabilities people have, not simply by economic growth Emphasises democracy, public debate and social justice as key factors that allow individuals to expand their real opportunities in life	A neoliberal theorist who argued that power operates through social institutions, knowledge and discourse rather than only through governments or laws Believed systems such as prisons, schools and medicine shape how societies define truth, normal behaviour, and authority