Essay About Realism

Essay about Realism
Realism – The State is the Most Important Actor
Introduction
During the latter half of the 20th century, the realist theory has been criticized as an outdated method which can no longer sufficiently explain the
actions of the global community. Critics point to liberalism, another widely accepted theory, as the successor ofrealism as the dominant theory of
international relations. Opponents of realism assert that the Democratic Peace theory is evidence that the theory of realism is no longer complete. If
realism were to stand alone, this accusation might have some validity. The development of neorealism helps to explain what realism could not,
accounting for global developments since the creation of the theory of realism. Thus, the...show more content...
Odershook). Thus, the continued survival and autonomy of each state is the most important factor in the international decision making process, and the
foundation of the realist theory. This claim becomes the driving force for the international relations of every country when evaluated by the realist
paradigm. The realist theory has developed as a theory of state autonomy, emphasizing individual state survival, as a consequence of the perceptions of
theorists about the nature of states and progress in the global system. Robert Powell define this perception, reasoning that "if one state can turn a
relative gain to its advantage and the disadvantage of others, then [the system's constraints] will induce a concern for the relative gains and this may
impede cooperation absent any superior authority to ensure that these gains not be used in this way" (Powell qtd. Ordershook 213). This emphasizes
the concept that states are chiefly concerned with the relative gains that they are capable of achieving, and [states] are acutely aware that other states
intend to take advantage of any relative gain that they are capable of achieving in order to further protect their security and sovereignty. To better
understand the realist perception, it is of fundamental importance to recognize that the global system is perceived to be in a state of international
anarchy, as realists recognize no power greater than that of the nation–state (Grieco 607).
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The Pros And Cons Of Realism
Realism is a theory that depicts world politics as a ceaseless repetitive struggle for power. In other words, political realism seeks to explain
international relations between states in terms of power. Realist "views that nation–state as the most important actor...because it answers to no higher
authority;" in other words, it is an anarchic system (Kegley, 27). Some traits of realism are that states are sovereign, non–cooperation among states, and
the exclusion if morality in policies. In a realist world, states have "supreme power" over its territory and population, there is an absence of a higher
authority. The fact that there is no higher authority has its consequences. States become self–interested, they compete for power and security. It can
lead states to continuously struggle for power "where the strong dominate the weak (Kegley, 28)." This ultimately creates a system in which eachstate
is responsible for its own survival, making them cautious towards their neighboring states. In addition, a realist world is a self–help system; "political
leaders seek to enhance national security" by building armies and forming alliances (Kegley, 28). Economic and military power are key components to
a state sovereignty and to national security. Furthermore, according to realist, it is not possible for "rival powers [to] cooperate on...security issues of
common interest" (Kegley, 28). In fact, cooperation among states is rare because the distribution of relative gains deriving

Essay on Magical Realism
Magical Realism
The idea of a genre of art that is called magical realism is less a trend than a tradition, an evolving genre that has its waxings and wanings, where each
evolving form expresses an idea that may overlap another, yet at the same time branches off and creates something very different. What began in the
visual arts has become a contemporary literary genre due to divergences. Contemporary Latin American writers of this mode include Alejo Carpentier,
Jorge Luis Borges, Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Octavio Paz, Pablo Neruda, and Majorie Agosin. At the same time there are many writers
of the genre world wide, though every form may take one new meaning. The magical realist does not depend on the natural or physical...show more
content...
Still, through Roh's conception of the term magical realism, he wished to infer that there is not necessarily any ancestry or chronology that a name
such as Post–Expression would imply; he wanted to break from designating it as an aspect of a movement (Zamora 5; 15–16). With a more
contemporary view of magical realism that brings it into not only the literary circles, but more specifically the Latin American literary circles, and also
overlaps with magical realism initial meanings, Alejo Carpentier called magical realism "lo real maravilloso americano."
He initiates a uniquely American form of magical realism that opposes the European Surrealist meaning. Magical realism was not to imply a conscious
assault on conventionally depicted reality but, rather, an amplification of perceived reality required by and inherent in Latin America nature and culture
(Zamora 75). Carpentier speaking on behalf of Latin American magical realism argued:
"The fantastic is not to be discovered by subverting or transcending reality with abstract forms and manufactured combinations of images. Rather, the
fantastic inheres in the natural and human realities of time and place, where improbable juxtapositions and marvelous mixtures exist by virtue of Latin
America's varied history, geography, demography, and politics– not by manifesto."
The understanding of the different forms of magical realism that have developed, and the contradictions within those forms, allows us to

The realism theory describes World War One the best because it is "based on the view that describes the individual as primarily fearful, selfish and
power seeking" (Mingst, 2011). WWI was initially a war between two countries, Austria–Hungary and Serbia; but due to assassinations, the strength of
alliances, binds by treaties, and increasing security dilemma, more and more countries entered the war until it manifested into a complete World War.
Countries increased their weaponry and made other nations apprehensive. Even countries that felt compelled to stay neutral became fearful of the ever
increasing power of countries in the war. Countries began to struggle for a balance of power, and the war outbreak was a product of the...show more
content...
Allies bound by treaty, as well as compelled by defensive nature, began to acquire mass weaponry. Once these countries entered the war, they had
to keep gaining power; i.e. spending money, and building on to military, thus putting financial burden on their countries for the benefit of their
alliance. Britain and Germany especially, began an arms race, acquiring submarines as well as conventional weaponry. Powers were participating
in naval warfare. This force of action solidified alliances. Countries chose sides and entered into alliances for personal benefit and gain. They
pledged their allegiance to stronger countries in a "gang like" mentality which stressed an ideology of work with me, or be destroyed by me. This
describes an effort to create a balance of power. However, the security dilemma was in full effect as everyone accumulated weaponry. It was hard for
any nation, especially Germany, to keep tabs on the power that everyone had gained. According to Mingst, "when threatened, states tend to balance
against aggressors, eventually overwhelming and reversing whatever initial gains were made. States act in a unitary system to secure their own
national interest, in terms of power" (Mingst, 2011). The outbreak of the war was a result of the multi–polar systems between Austria–Hungary,
Ottoman Empire, Italy, Germany, Serbia, and Russia. It is argued that Germany encouraged Austria to wage war, while the powers were seemingly
equivalent, out of

Political Realism Essay examples
People's ideas and assumptions about world politics shape and construct the theories that help explain world conflicts and events. These assumptions
can be classified into various known theoretical perspectives; the most dominant is political realism. Political realism is the most common theoretical
approach when it is in means of foreign policy and international issues. It is known as "realpolitik" and emphasis that the most important actor in global
politics is the state, which pursues self–interests, security, and growing power (Ray and Kaarbo 3). Realists generally suggest that interstate
cooperation is severely limited by each state's need to guarantee its own security in a global condition of anarchy. Political realist view...show more
content...
The declining use of military force is the questionable aspect of this perspective because throughout the years it has been demonstrated that this is not
true. Military engagements in the nations states continue to be a problem and a violation to the state's sovereignty established by the Peace of
Westphalia in 1648. Although both of these theoretical perspectives have their flaws, they can both be used to analyze current issues of today, thus
establishing different interpretations for the same events, such as the oil crisis, global warming, and the most recent issue the occupy movements. To
begin with, one of the issues in today's society that has remained a dilemma for many years has been the oil crisis. The oil crisis is the problems where
the major industrial countries of the world, particularly the United States, faced substantial shortages of petroleum. As mentioned in Maxine's
presentation in my Pols–311 class, the two worst crises of oil have been the 1973 oil crisis, caused by the Arab Oil Embargo of OAPEC, and the 1979
energy crisis, caused by the Iranian Revolution. The issue of the oil crisis has lead many nations to seek petroleum by violating states sovereignty and
using the military in many occasions to do so. It has also lead nations like the United States to military support monarchies and dictatorships that would
allow the United States to

Essay on The Reality of Political Realism
When discussing whether or not a nation–state should enter a war and when to do so, three beliefs on foreign policy and war exist. The three different
diplomatic stances are that of pacifism, just war theory, and political realism. Political realism, or realpolitik as it is often referred to, is the belief war
should only occur when it is in the national interest of the particular nation–state. Henry Kissinger, a political realist, in his book Diplomacy argues that
realism is the only logical answer. Just war theorists, along with pacifists, on the other hand oppose these arguments and therefore critique of this form
of diplomatic action. To construct a valid understanding of the realist perspective the arguments Kissinger puts forth in...show more content...
Darwin's survival of the fittest was a strong belief Roosevelt held and theorized all life followed the ideas of natural selection. Natural selection and
survival of the fittest are theories that the strong will naturally survive by both, eliminating the weak and having greater likelyhood to pass on.
With the German invasion of Luxenbourgh and Belgium directly breaking treaties previously signed stating peace Roosevelt stated to not take
sides. Roosevelt's reaction was that of no concern at first, yet he was concerned once war erupted in Europe. Mainly concerned that the war would
disrupt the balance of power in Europe and the German invasions would lead to German invasions pressing forward into Latin and South America.
German military occupations in Latin America would pose a direct threat for the US if this were to be true. Roosevelt felt the problem would
inevitably resolve itself prior to occupations in Latin America based on the principles that a balance of power still exists. A balance of power is the
way the European government had operated for quite sometime now. If one nation–state became all powerful and started campaigns to take over other
nation–states in Europe, a coalition of nation–states would form to put down the aggressing nation–state to insure the stability of their own
nation–state. Therefore, according to Roosevelt and his political realist views, a country

Realism in Theatre Essay
The theatrical plays of "Angels in America" and "August: Osage County" both of the playwrights create a heart wrenching, tear jerking, and amazing
work. Each character is developed to have its own sets of values, beliefs, and attitudes towards life and so there are no two characters alike. With each
character having its own identity, it brings a sense of excitement and unpredictability in the plays. Tracy Letts the writer for "August: Osage County"
establishes a sense of reality in his play by developing characters that everyone can relate too. His play is about family, the use of drugs, cancer, and
suicide, subjects that people go through during their lifetime. Tony Kushner the playwright of "Angels in America" provides the same feeling...show
more content...
Even though the actors are well rehearsed when it comes to moving around the stage, they do it so effortlessly that it's not a distraction for the
audience. The movement of actors may be considered a small thing, but it's what make a play realistic or not. For a realistic play, the way the actors
behave makes it seem they are not worried about the audience and being in their way. They talk, walk and act in a manner similar to that of our
everyday behavior. In "August: Osage County" the actors are so believable that we as spectators forget it's a play but rather seeing a glimpse into
someone's family. The realistic play of "August: Osage County" has everyone relating to someone or something during the course of the production.
The topics of cancer, marijuana, molestation, drug addiction, and much more have audience members connecting to these characters in a way that a
play has never done before. This play is considered a dark comedy and it has people experiencing both laughter and discomfort, sometimes
simultaneously (Black Comedy). They address topics that are taboo in society, issues that theatrical plays never dream of dedicating an entire show to.
Tracy Letts is a fierce writer who doesn't back away from subject matters that are controversial and not the norm for a traditional play. The topic of
prescription drug abuse engulfs the entire

Comparison Between Idealism And Realism
Introduction
The history of modern day international relations is to a great extent the continuing struggle between two school of thought: idealism and realism,
each is believed to establish order and stability in the international system. The main argument of this paper is based on idealism, an approach that
is advancing many foreign policies but few acknowledge it contrary to its rival approach realism, yet it is an approach (idealism) frequently used by
realist states to advance their foreign policy agenda (U.S) when the need arises. This will lead to the central question: why such a move? In
answering this question, the paper will do a brief summary of idealism, followed by an analysis which will take a comparison between idealism and
realism, and it will conclude with a discussion in relation to current events in the...show more content...
Analysis
This section in chapter two with a link in chapter three (liberalism) defines what idealism means in the field of international relations. Idealism is an
approach in IR that could be traced back to liberalism from 19th century (Kant) to World War I(Woodrow Wilson) to Post–World War II. Idealism
believes in dialogue and corporation in solving the collective goods problems without employing force to do so. While realism is based on the use of
power (dominance principle) in international relations. These are two approaches in international relations that go hand in hand because at times the
realists use idealist approaches in solving their collective goods problems (United States and Iran Nuclear Deal). In a few words Goldstein
summarizes the key main concepts in the idealist approach i.e. international law, morality and international organizations. Universal principles like
human rights are deeply rooted in international law. The aim of idealism is to establish institutions geared towards peace in the world contrary what
some realist would say "unless we pursue our idealistic goals through realistic means peace will not

On the other hand, they also share similar qualities and characteristics. Both theories realize how our world is more than capable of being a
dangerous place and we should not assume we are safe at all times. Military power is recognized as being important and pragmatic, and it is
understood this power can easily be abused, as much as it can be functional. Another common realization between idealist and realist approaches is
because there is no absolute government having power over all countries, countries can essentially do whatever they want to each other, which includes
inflicting terror, because there really isn't anything stopping them.
While it is true the two approaches to international relations share some common beliefs, these beliefs are greatly outweighed by their differences.
Their fundamental beliefs about how the world should function are in opposition, and they place varying levels of importance on power. Yes, military
power is seen as crucial for both – but realists see the military as being the sole, relevant type of power, while idealists see the opposite. They do not
think military power is the most important type, and it even takes a backseat to moral and economic powers. Another major difference is their view on
total world government. On one hand, idealism seeks to create a united world government, which would help create peace around the globe. On the
other hand, realism believes this would not be successful as it is impossible to coerce all countries to cooperate and participate in this. Realists realize
countries will be primarily looking out for themselves, and unless it greatly benefitted them, would probably not do something just to help out other
countries.
The term "anarchy" is often associated with realism along with the concept of no international government. When people hear the term, anarchy, a very
negative and violent image most likely comes to mind, but that is not what the realist approach represents. Realists argue the absence of a common
government simply pushes countries to be independent and to help themselves, it does not fuel conflict or terror. Another difference between the two is
who they think the states are concerned about, and what they want. Idealists

Essay about Realism, Liberalism and Feminism
Realism, Liberalism and Feminism
In our modern world we can communicate instantly worldwide, cook a full meal in under a minute, and have enough weapons to destroy not only
our planet but just about any planet that gives us a funny look. Of course while technology progresses at its incredible rate, we squabble and argue
over who gets what, and what they can or cannot do with it, whether or not that is what it is or if it is something that it truly isn'tВ… and frankly it's
all very confusing. Luckily all of the crazy talk is sorted into convenient theories from which we can pick and choose. In this paper liberalism, realism
and feminism will be examined and compared. One of the more predominant theories, realism, gained a lot of support...show more content...
Many of the players who helped make the decision had personal goals tied into the outcome; thusly it is hard to distinguish if certain players were
acting in the best interest of the state as a whole, or if they were trying to accrue their own personal rewards. The states themselves as a whole do not
in fact make decisions, the leaders of each country do and while it is easy to say that we hope they act rationally many times this is untrue. An
example of irrational behavior is found in the actions of both Lyndon B. Johnson and George W. Bush. Both of these men were president of theUnited
States during a period of war, Johnson had the Vietnam War and Bush has Iraq. What the two have in common is their attitude towards negative
information, specifically ignorance. Two men who both were given the task of bringing peace to a small В‘defenseless' country which were ruled by
new forces of В‘evil' and neither of them wanted to hear anything to the contrary. As both operations seemed to require far more resources then the
United States was willing to commit, warnings from several sources were ignored clearly illustrating irrational behavior. The state then pursued courses
of action based on irrational decisions with one–sided facts and clearly was doomed from the start.
At the other end of the spectrum is liberalism. Liberalism takes the

Strengths And Weaknesses Of Realism
When trying to comprehend international politics, current events, or historical context, having a firm grasp on the various international relations
theories is essential to understanding patterns when looking at interstate affairs. Realism, liberalism, constructivism, and marxist radical theory are
used to provide a framework by which we can dissect international relations.
Classical realist theory is based upon the idea that human nature is inherently bad and selfish, the international system is anarchic, and the state is the
most important actor in international affairs. Basing policy decisions on human nature, the state looks to maximize it's power and security within its
geographic location. Realist theory sees all conflict deriving from power struggles between states, though it is not about fostering wars; rather the
opposite.
One of the stronger points that classical realist theory made is the idea that war is inevitable. For the time period upon which classical realism was
thriving, it was much more likely for interstate conflict to arise as there was no strong central system of collective security like the United Nations. A
state and a neighboring state could and would co–exist with each other, but realist theory assumes that eventually conflict will arise from power
conflicts between them. The real achilles heel of this theory shows here; this just is not the case in the world anymore with worldwide collective
security.
Structural realist thought compensates for

The worst part about an overbearing parent is the powerless child. In some regards international relations are parallel to family dynamics. In familial
relationships, we compile history, current roles, and personal viewpoints all together to understand our family, and to interact with them more
effectively. The same is true when explaining how or why international crises occur.Russia, the overbearing parent, invaded Ukraine, the powerless
child. In order to understand these roles and explain the crisis as a whole, we look at historical context, political and social factors, and the reasoning
that dictates an actor's behavior. After thorough research, a realist perspective shows Russia's power tactics over Ukraine as advancing the polarization
of the East, thus allowing us to create policy recommendations to face it.
Russia, Ukraine, and Crimea are the direct actors of the Ukraine crisis, who are all involved at different capacities. Realism explains that actors
behave selfishly because humans are inherently evil. Actors, also, work to obtain security through power and fear, but realism also leaves space for
weak states to "accept what they must." Realism relies on the anarchic international system because states are sovereign, and states cannot be
persecuted for breaking international law. The realist theory describes the past actions of Russia, Ukraine, and Crimea, and can be used to predict
future actions. Each actor has different political and social factors that

Examples Of Realism In Realism
The present paper is a discussion of Anita Desai's novel In Custody in the light of various dimensions of realism as pointed out by Raymond
Williams, a dominion literary personality in his essay Realism and The contemporary novel taken from his book The Long Revolution. Here
Williams makes a cultural inquiry in literary composition. The word realism is not new. In fact, literary realism is the trend, beginning with mid
nineteenth century French literature and extending to late nineteenth and early twentieth century authors, towards depictions of contemporary life
and society as it was, or is. Yet realism is not some specific object to be pinned down. In fact it is a way of describing certain method and attributes
used in the development of experience. Williams sets out to drive some generalizations and gives his versions of realism keeping in mind the
techniques used in the contemporary fiction. Williams fourfold classification of realism in contemporary novel, into social documentary, social
formula, personal documentary and personal formula can be aptly applied to Desai's novel In Custody which although being a fictional work is
grounded to expose realities. It portrays the life experiences not only through the enrichment of the locales with natural beauty and the depiction of
social, political, religious or economic dilemma or diversity in contemporary living but also by exploring the psyche of the character....show more
content...
Raymond Williams in his essay Realism and The contemporary novel reconsiders the various descriptions of realism and sets out to drive some
generalizations on the methods and substance of contemporary fiction. Williams gives an insight on the existing variations of the term realism, his
views on the development of the modern novel and lastly a possibly new meaning of

Essay on Naturalism and Realism
Beginning in the late 19th century, two separate movements spread across America know as realism and naturalism. While the two were very similar
in their beliefs and ideals there were still many apparent distinctions to differentiate the two. Realism and naturalism showed themselves in many
aspects of life, from art and sciences to new math techniques and even religion. However, above all else these movements may have been most evident
in the literature of this time. Reading through American literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it becomes perceptible which short stories
portray realism and which represent nationalism. Mark Twain's humorous tale, "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras Country," clearly shows
Twain's...show more content...
As Bierce explains, "The man who was engaged in being hanged was apparently about thirty–five years of age. He was a civilian, if one might judge
from his habit, which was a planter." An attention to specific details is given especially in Part I when the setting is being described. Countless
adjectives are used, giving the reader the understanding of the scene so that they can feel as if they are sitting in and watching everything mentioned
take place. Again, diction is used although not in the same way as Twain had used it. Instead, a type of southern slang is used, denoting people from
the North as "Yanks" and to flax as "tow." Finally, the last part of this story is made up on the lead character's daydream which shows that Bierce was
focusing on the psychology of the character, another very realist thing to do in literature. Stephen Crane's ideas varied from those of Twain and Ambrose
as shown in his short story, "The Open Boat." In the story, the crewmates of a diminutive boat are caught in a storm. This is clearly more depressing
than the stories of the other two authors cited but it also sanctions nature to play a substantial role. In naturalism, nature often acts as a force that
humanity cannot control. The storm represents Crane's belief in

Essay on Film Realism
Response Paper: The Complete Film
The introduction of sound films in the late 1920's was a divisive issue among those involved and interested in the emerging motion picture industry.
Even though it wasn't the sudden breakthrough it is often perceived to be, the addition of sound and voice to mainstream cinema revolutionized movie
making and led to conflicting viewpoints as to whether or not this innovation was a positive progression for film as an art and as an industry.
While the addition of sound to films was generally perceived as an advancement, some critics and filmmakers believed that it takes away from the
artistic essence of the medium. Among these traditionalists was Rudolph Arnheim, an art critic who thought the technological...show more content...
While Arnheim's views on the future of film and the idea of a complete film can be somewhat insightful, I disagree with his conclusion that the
introduction of sound and color diminishes the creative quality and originality of movies. He states his belief that eventually film will develop to the
point where we "we have nothing to look forward to" (Arnheim , 184).
In all forms of art there is a natural inclination to explore and experiment within the medium. The resulting methods and formats can be seen as
alternatives and additions to existing ones. I do not believe that, in terms of technical decisions, there is a superior style of film making that the
industry progresses to on a set path. I agree with Arnheim's statement that "there is no objection to the complete film as an alternative to the stage" if
it exists with the other types of films (Arhheim, 186). In some cases advances in method and technique are used to fix the problems of technological
limitations. In other cases these advances provide alternatives. The introduction of color is described by the latter. Color was introduced as an
alternative to black and white movies but never completely replaced them and didn't stop the use of black and white as an effective technique in
modern cinema.
The use of sound, on the other hand, was a solution rather than an alternative. Since the early

Realism In Victorian Literature
REALISM Realism is a literary movement which tries to show things, actions or social circumstances in point of fact without presenting them in the
influence of feelings or other artistic ideas. (Duerksen, R. A. (1966). Shelleyan ideas in Victorian literature. The Hague: Mouton.) Realism as a word
comes from Greek word "Res" which means real. Realism emerged in France during the mid– 19th centuary. (Realism (late 1800s–early 1900s). (n.d.).
Retrieved March 26, 2017, from http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3753924) HonorГ© de Balzac was credited for creating literary
realism in French literature with his description of French society in his novel La Comedie Humaine. (HonorГ© de Balzac. (2017, March 25).
Retrieved March 26, 2017,...show more content...
These are: faithfully representing life as it is, rejecting idealizing conventions, taking subjects from contemporary life, representing middle class
attitudes, referring to work of a particular period. (Ltd, F. M. (n.d.). Visual Arts Gr11 Learner's Guide. Retrieved March 26, 2017, from https:/
/www.scribd.com/doc/101022170/Visual–Arts–Gr11–Learner–s–Guide) Realism is strongly marked in these poems: Geoffrey Chaucer: The Miller's
Tale, William Shakespeare: My Mistress's Eyes, Thomas Hardy: Friends Beyond.(REALISM IN POETRY. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2017, from http:/
/www.textetc.com/traditional/realism.html)
To sum up, Realism is a movement whose effects are seen in literature, poetry and art. Realism has some characteristics in literature and writers from
all around the world used these features in their works. (Realism (late 1800s–early 1900s). (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2017, from http:/
/www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3753924) Poetry and art are also affected by Realism and they give us the picture of lower class people
and their everyday lives. (Realism Movement, Artists and Major Works. (n.d.). Retrieved March 26, 2017, from

Why and how did globalization occur? Different perspectives have different explanations as to why and how globalization evolved. Realists argue that
international trade is most effective when there is hegemony in the world market, whereas liberalists believe that it is a matter of how countries use the
idea of reciprocity in their decision about trade. I agree with the realist perspective because hegemony allows the global economy to enhance and
international trade functions the best when a hegemon dominates the world market. Realist perspective explains globalization in terms of the relative
distribution of power (Nau 2007, 278). In their opinion, trade and economic activities thrives "only under favorable security...show more content...
According to the hegemonic stability theory, "a hegemonic power is necessary to support a highly integrated world economy." (Nau 2007, 280) Nau
explains that as long as there is a relative distribution of power, no one power can affect the system as a whole (280). When there are several equally
competitive countries, the global economy reaches the model of a perfect market. Each state acts according to their self–interest, and such behavior
leads to higher gains for everyone because "competition maximizes efficiency" (Nau 2007, 280) in a perfect market. However, there is no place for
violence in a perfect market because a hegemon assures security by deploying a police force (Nau 2007, 280). Since there is usually no such force in
the international system, many competitive nations have to fear violence. This is what the realists meant when they stated that in the multipolar world,
nations cannot be sure about alliances. In addition, the United States and the Soviet Union were the two great powers after World War II; thus, they
developed an example of a bipolar world, in which there are separate and self–governing "half–world" economies that includes very little trade with
each other (Nau 2007, 280).
On the other hand, liberalists emphasize "the technological change, specialization, trade and increasing interdependence, and the strengthening of global

Idealism and Realism Essay
"In the place where idealism and realism meet, that is where there is the greatest evolutionary tension." Idealism prioritizes ideals, social reforms and
morals, by wanting to benefit not just yourself, but the world around you, believing people are generally good. On the contrary, realism gives priority
to national interest and security with emphasis on promoting one's own power and influence by assuming that people are egocentric by nature. Based
on the definitions stated above, idealism and realism are significantly different from each other and their divergence of thought is more apparent when
various proponents of each such as Woodrow Wilson, Henry Lodge, Barack Obama and George W. Bushhave varied outlooks on comparable issues in
...show more content...
His idea of the League of Nations was significant because he believed if various countries worked together, there were fewer chances of violent
conflicts such as wars. However, Wilson's goals were long term, but for the most part he did not present a clear way to achieve those goals.
Tragically, his Fourteen Points were not accepted by Congress. Congress did not pass the proposal to join the League of Nations because Wilson had
not included Congress in the negotiations. More importantly, the US did not join the League of Nations because the Senate was strictly against it,
since they were more realists than idealists in the Senate and most people did not agree with Wilson's ideas. Ultimately, Wilson did come up with the
idea of the League of Nations, but the US never joined, which some say contributed to its' failure.
The biggest opposition to the US joining the League of Nations came from Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. His being a realist was very opposing to
many of Wilson's idealist concepts, which is why he was out front against the League of Nations. In particular, Lodge believed involvement in the
League would compromise US sovereignty by necessitating the US to take part in international conflicts while it was not in the national interest of the
US to do so. In addition, he also believed that being a part of the League of Nations would threaten the political freedom because the United States
would be constricted by

Realism is one of the main theories within International Relations. It provides the view that all actors within the international system act on their own
self–interests to gain power. This essay intends to discuss its usefulness as a theory and the reasons for and against it being used to analyse world
affairs. Firstly, it shall discuss how the theory is advantageous as it explains how shifts in the balance of power can lead to conflict however it is
unable to explain why the distribution of power changes. Second, it will portray how it is useful because states do not need to be labelled as good or
bad to fit the theory although it disregards the idea of Natural law and gives a cynical view of human morality. Finally, it will suggest that as the theory
is very parsimonious, it can be applied to multiple situations within the world system. On the other hand, it will be said that it fails to look at
individuals within a state and their influence on the actions of the state. These costs and benefits will be conveyed through the current tensions between
the USA and North Korea to link the theory in with current world politics.
It can be said that in the case of the USA and North Korea, the current tensions developed further because of the start of nuclear weapons programmes
in North Korea which created panic in US government (Pevehouse and Goldstein, 2017, p. 31). Realism highlights how this shift in the balance of
power threatens US security as they are no longer a more

Essay About Realism

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