Theories of International Relations: Realism and Liberalism
•Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you should be able to. . .
1. Identify the major assumptions of the realist and liberal approaches.
2. Distinguish the major strands of theory within each approach.
3. Understand the normative positions of realism and liberalism.
4. Summarize the major critiques of each approach.
5. Identify ways in which each approach can be linked to policy problems.
6. Articulate and defend an argument concerning the relative merits of the different approaches.
•SUMMARY OVERVIEW
This chapter examines realism and liberalism, which are two of the major paradigms of
international relations.
Realism focuses on the problems of international conflict. All realist theories share four central
assumptions. First, realism places immense emphasis on the idea that international politics is
anarchic. An anarchic system creates a security dilemma, where states are forced to arm
themselves, but this can lead to an arms race. A second assumption of realism is that states are the
central actors in international politics. Third, realists view states as unitary actors or as a single
coherent entity. Fourth, realists assume that state behavior is rational.
Within the realist paradigm, it is also important to understand that the distribution of power is the
most important force in international politics. Because power plays a central role in realist
theories, defining and measuring power are critical. Both military power and economic power are
important to any understanding of realism.
One variant of realism is balance of power theory, which suggests that power will be relatively
evenly distributed in the world because states will counter each other’s attempts to dominate.
Another variant of realism is hegemonic stability theory. This theory contradicts balance of power
theory because it argues that stability results not from a balance among the great powers, but from
unipolarity where one dominant state ensures some degree of order in the system.
Realism is criticized for a variety of reasons. First, some believe that anarchy is simply an
historical circumstance, which may now be replaced by another condition. Second, some believe
that it is no longer valid to focus exclusively on the state, because nonstate actors are becoming
increasingly important. A third criticism focuses on the assumption that the state is unitary and
rational. Many reject this hypothesis, arguing instead that there are many different variables that
influence a state’s foreign policy.
Liberalism is another major paradigm within international relations. Liberalism centers on the
rights of the individual, arguing that individuals can overcome the worst aspects of the realist
world. The most prominent assumption shared by all liberals is that people are rational and
understand their interests. In this chapter, we focus on three different strands of liberal theory.
They are liberal institutionalism, complex interdependence theory, and the democratic
peace theory.
