This document discusses the concept of balance of power in international relations. It explains that balance of power has long been considered a fundamental concept, with various theorists defining and highlighting its significance. The document then discusses how during the Cold War, both India and Pakistan had to rely on external alliances and factors to balance against each other due to their own limited internal resources. Forming alliances was a way for weaker states to strengthen their defense and balance against a common threat.

1. International Relations
AIS 3121 Theories of International Relations
Are companies more powerful than nation–state in international relations?
Chak Shu Fai, 52626878
Introduction
This essay will focus on the influential relations between companies and nation–states in
international relations. It is a serious issue because companies have raised the importance in
international relations, especially non–governmental organizations (NGOs) and intergovernmental
organizations (IGOs). According to the data collected by the Union of International Associations,
there were over 66,000 international organizations, include NGOs and IGOs, in 300 countries and
territories in 2013. More approximately 1,200 new organizations are added each year (Sheldon,
2014). The major increasing numbers of the international organizations is one of the evidence to
show their powerful status in international relations. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
For instance, it functions as a response to problems of incomplete information, transaction costs and
other barriers to improve the efficiency and welfare for their members (Barnett & Finnemore, 1999).
The concept of powerful international organizations also can be found from professor Weiler (2003),
international organizations have increasingly themselves interpreted their powers in an expansive
manner that blurs the role of State consent, and States have increasingly conferred broader public
powers of governance on international organizations. There is no doubt that international
organizations have taken a deeper role in international relation, but it has different degrees of
influence toward small nation states and big countries. In order to have a clearer picture of
international organization's influence in international relations, the essay is divide in two part. First,
it comments on small nation–state would be largely affected by
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3. Levels Of Analysis And The Stu Essay
Three levels of analysis, each with its own distinct strength, reveals three different ways of
understanding international relations. The first states that all nation–states behave similarly, the
second emphasizes the unique internal factors of a nation–state, while the third level of analysis
focuses on the individual deciding a state’s course of action. Each level of analysis is
useful in the study of international relations. Indeed, used all together, it is not long before arriving
at a point where a vast number of explanations for the actions of a country are brought to light.
However, to best understand international relations, one level of analysis is more useful than the
rest, because it provides the most comprehensive ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The third level of analysis also has the ability to, within the models that can view the state as non–
monolithic, presume that the different groups have similar interests and share the same hierarchy of
goals by use of the organizational model; or, it can explore the presumption that the different groups
have different interests by use of the bureaucratic model. Furthermore, because the focus of level
three analysis is on the participants in the decision making process, the psychological aspects that
influence the actions of the groups and individuals who influence the actions that the state are
considered as well. These psychological aspects can include the perceptions of an individual that are
shaped by their past experiences, stereotypes formed through those experiences and their own
personal values. The third level of analysis, because of all that it takes into consideration, has a
completeness in understanding international relations than cannot be matched by the first and
second levels of analysis.
Examples of how the third level of analysis is more useful in better understanding international
relations can be seen in examining the Cuban Missile Crisis. A conclusion that would be drawn from
a level two analysis is that the US chose the blockade to deal with the discovery of Soviet missiles
in Cuba,
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5. International Relations : A Important Form Of Relationship
International Relations is a very important form of relationship in world politics today. So far as the
world is made up of individuals, states, countries and various cultures there will also be a form of
interactions with one another thereby leading to International Relations. Over the years,
International Relations has been governed by two major theories. These theories are known as
Idealism and Realism. In addition, theories are very important in international relations this is
because theories are made to have contributions and solutions to world issues. Also, Theories can be
defined as the development of series of statements about rational behaviour based upon a dominant
motive such as Power; such theory provides a description of the political behaviour of rational
actors. (Akinboye & Ottoh, 2005:53). Theories are also seen as a set of norms or values indicating
how political actor ought to behave. The essence of theory for realism and idealism is to show their
views on International Relations Issues. These two approaches have been seen as competing
traditional approaches, furthermore, each of these approaches wants to be recognised as the major
and sound approach to the study of International Relations (Dinesh). Each of these theories has its
particular views on International Relations therefore believing they can explain and understand,
International Relations. Idealism also known as Liberalism is a theory of International that majorly
believe that the interactions
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7. The Balance Of Power Theory
The balance of power theory represents a body of interrelated concepts for achieving security and
stability by maintaining an equal distribution of power throughout the international system. Some
critics contend that the theory cannot provide guidance to states in a unipolar system since it
developed out of centuries of multipolarity and recent decades of bipolarity. This assessment is
incorrect. Although a specific conception of balance of power theory may not provide guidance, an
appraisal of the concepts within its various forms suggests continuing relevance. This paper
discusses balance of power theory by examining its evolution, and asserts that the concept remains
relevant in a unipolar international system. The balance of power is a historical concept with a
variety of meanings. In Thucydides' account of the Melian dialogue, he indirectly referred to
countries balancing in response to growing Athenian power and aggression (Thucydides, 1972).
Over 1200 years later, Hobbes described balancing in reference to the ability of a confederacy of the
weak to overwhelm the strong (Hobbes, 1996). Both Thucydides and Hobbes reference a type of
balancing aimed at reestablishing an equilibrium of power within the international system. Gulick
referred to this behavior by states as a doctrine of counterpoise, designed to ensure the survival of
individual states and to prevent a state from accruing predominant power (Gulick, 1955). During the
19th Century, European powers
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9. The Balance Of Power Theory Essay
The Balance of Power Theory
The most critical and obvious feature of international affairs is its state of anarchy. The international
stage features many indepent actors each seeking their own best interest and security . With no
sovereign body to govern over these actors it would seem that the system would never be capable of
attaining any control. However this is not the reality of the system, we have seen in history that it is
possible to restrain the players. It is said to be as a result of the concept of the Balance Of Power,
which dictates the actions of states and provides a basis of control that states use when dealing with
each other. This essay is aimed at investigating the concept of the balance of power and will in turn
... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Under the B.O.P. theory the logic of the Cold War stratagies and alliances seems apparent, with the
best method of security being strength. In an ideal system of B.O.P. all states would 1. act in
relatively the same fashion and 2. would make decisions as individual structures. However it can be
seen that in the real world the system is composed of of various types of states. States can vary in
their types of regimes and in their level of internal stability. States goals vary depending on these
factors and hence all states will not make similar decisions as the B.O.P. theory would suggest. In
assuming that states make decision as individual, rational actors the theory neglects the fact that
though most states are run by an autonomous executive there are also many other complex bodies
involved in a states decision making.
When we veiw the individual members of these decision–making bodies we see many different
motives, hence when a decision is made it may not be the unitary rational response that the B.O.P.
theory suggests. From this we can see that states are not run as individuals and so cannot be
expected to make decisions that way.
The major flaws of the B.O.P. theory appear to all converge at one point: the theory itself is
oversimplified. It is difficult to suggest alterations to the theory because its main problem is also its
main goal, to give a simplified model of international relations. It is not then suggested that the
theory
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11. Early Approaches to Interantional Relations
Early approaches to international relations can be found in the works of the Greeks and Romans.
Plato and Aristotle, who wrote on the concept of war and the defense of the city–state. Partially as a
result of the decline of the Greek city–states, the idealist concept of cosmopolitanism and world
citizenship took hold. Roman scholars later developed the law of nations, which consisted of a body
of legal principles and practices common to those societies associated with Rome. French writers,
particularly those during the Enlightenment Era, focused on the roles of diplomacy, arbitration, and
adjudication in the achievement of perpetual peace, and tended to prefer to achieve policies goals
through trade and commerce rather than war (Dougherty and Pfaltzgraff, Jr. 2001). In the 1500s,
Jean Bodin (1992) wrote about the principle of sovereignty, which held that a monarch was supreme
internally, but equal to other rulers externally. English political philosophers, including Hobbes,
Spinoza, and Locke, agreed with the French writers on the concept of sovereignty but not on the
prospects for international government. The period of European history from the end of the Thirty
Years War in 1648 to the beginning of World War I in 1914 was known as the Golden Age of
Diplomacy, and scholarly writings from this time focused on the balance of power, alliances, and
international law in a state system characterized by numerous wars (Dougherty and Pfalztgraff, Jr.
2001). The Inter–War Period
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13. Realism and Neo-Realism Essay
INTRODUCTION
The most historically entrenched theoretical perspective in international relations theory is that of
classical realism. Surprisingly though classical realism was not sensationalized in the international
relations arena until World War II despite its existence in fifth–century Athens. Many great
philosophers such as Thucydides, Machiavelli and Hobbes developed the basics of classical realism
and in 1948 Hans J. Morgenthau made the great leap into contemporizing classical realism theory
with his six principles of political realism, the basics placing the state as the central power in the IR
system.
Barely three decades later the world has developed so rapidly that theorists such as Kenneth Waltz
went on to address a new ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
With that Morgenthau insists "...all politics is a struggle for power that is inseparable from social life
itself." (Lebow, 2010) "[Power's] content and its use are determined by the political and cultural
environment." (Morgenthau, 2004) For that reason war becomes a regular condition of IR in the
classical realist's theory, simply because war is the nature of human beings and power is the end all
means by which national interests are secured and advanced rather than as a consequence of a
possible lack of understanding about historical circumstance, their level of understanding or even
perhaps because their leaders were objectively flawed themselves.
While classical realists recognize that states exist in an anarchical "self–help" system where they
must rely on power to protect and control their existence it is there that they suddenly divorce the
state from its domestic civil society as well as any other international actors aside from other nation
states proclaiming autonomy in their own political realms. This is in order to "recognize and pursue
the interests of the nation [state] as a whole, and not those of particular powerful groups within the
community...". (Grieco, 1997) This comes as no surprise so long as we recall that states are and will
always be obsessed with their own national security, their ability to be able to protect and at best
advance themselves in whatever capability possible which means having the choice and independent
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15. International Relations For Modern World Politics Essay
Introduction: From the European colonial era to the Syrian refugees' crisis, the motion of modern
international system always moves forward with the changes of world politics. There is a number of
scholars would use "Eurocentric" as a key word to define this system because of several reasons.
Since Karl Haushofer (NV & Leiden, 2006) firstly wrote "Europe–centric" in German during the
1920s, the debate of this topic has been one of the most crucial projects for every scholar of
international relations in these centuries. More precisely, "Eurocentric" could be explained as the
centre of modern international system is in Europe or the current order of international society is
given by European communities. However, there are more and more studies showed the political
importance and influence from oriental world. This essay is going to discuss whether the
terminology of "Eurocentric" could be a good idea t o explain the international system of
international relations for modern world politics by focusing on both the historical reasons and
political issues. For instance, the effects of the European colonial era to the world politics and
international system. In my opinion, although "Eurocentric" was a reasonable idea of international
system for a long time. With the development of goblobalization indeed changed the order of world
politics such as the rise of Chinese economy. In fact, the argument that evolution of international
system in international relations are Eurocentric
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17. International Relations By Jack Donnelly: Realism And...
Realism and International Relations, by Jack Donnelly, Cambridge University Press, United
Kingdom, 2000. 231 pages.
Jack Donelly is Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Graduate School of International Studies at the
University of Denver. He is also the author of The Concept of Human Rights, Universal Human
Rights in Theory and Practice and International Human Rights.
Realism and International Relations by Jack Donnelly provides a critical yet sympathetic survey of
political realism in International Theory. Using the six paradigmatic theories – Hans Morgenthau,
Kenneth Waltz, the Prisoners' Dilemma, Thucydides, Machiavelli and Hobbes – the book examines
realist accounts of human nature and state motivation, international anarchy, balance of power,
international institutions and morality in foreign policy.
The reason for choosing this book is to assess Donnellys' argument that common realist propositions
not only fail to stand up to scrutiny but are rejected by many leading realists as well.
Theoretical Premise
Donnelly defines and summarizes Realism according to six paradigmatic models.(Donnelly, 2000,
p. 13) First paradigm begins with Thomas Hobbes who was an English polymath in the
seventeenth–century. Hobbes assumes that people are naturally equal but driven by competition,
diffidence, ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
"The expectation is not that a balance, once achieved, will be maintained, but that a balance once
disrupted, will be restored in one way or another. Balances of power recurrently form." (Waltz,
1979, p. 128) Donnelly successfully critices Waltz conclusion by identifying that in a multipolar
world, the existence of at least two potential threats dramatically attenuates the link between
external capabilities and threat. Therefore, Waltz balancing concept is primarily a logic of bipolar
orders not of international relations in
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19. Balance of Power as a Concept
Balance of Power as a concept The concept of balance of power is considered as one of the oldest
and fundamental concept in the field of international relations (Paul T.V 2004). International
relations theorists had been defining balance of power differently to highlight its significance and
relevance in international politics, as David Hume declared balance of power as scientific law due to
its significance in international politics. Glenn Snyder highlighted balance of power as a core
theoretical concept in international relations. Hans Morgenthau called balance of power as "iron law
of politics" and Henry Kissinger, regarded balance of power as more an art than a science (Paul T.V
2004). Significance and relevance of balance of ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Both the rival states in South Asia could not rely heavily upon internal resources due to limited
internal resources and depended on external factor to enhance and strengthen their security against
each other. Additionally, cold war provided golden opportunity to find friends with great powers.
United States and Soviet Union were also looking for allies to extend their areas of influence.
Alliance formation strategy to strengthen power Second best option for any state is to reach a
balancing position against strong rival which means to rely upon external resources. It may include
arms aid from friendly states against a common threat. Alliances with other friendly states can
strengthen weaker state's defence. That's why states reach alliances with other states to balance
against a common threat. Advocates of 'Balance of Power theory' put forward that peace is generally
preserved when equilibrium of power exists among great powers. Power parity among states helps
preventing war because no actor can expect victory (Kenneth N W, 1979). Cold war between United
States and Soviet Union remained a cold war and could not be a hot war; the reason was quasi
balance of power between both the rival states. If war could have broken out between United States
and Soviet Union, it would have been a surely mutual destruction.
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21. The Balance Of Power Theory
Balance of power theory represents a body of interrelated concepts for achieving security and
stability by maintaining an equal distribution of power throughout the international system. Some
critics contend that the theory cannot provide guidance to states in a unipolar system since it
developed out of centuries of multipolarity and decades of bipolarity. This assessment is incorrect.
Although a specific conception of balance of power theory may not provide guidance, an appraisal
of the concepts within its various forms suggests continuing relevance. This paper discusses balance
of power theory by examining the evolution of its structural and ideational variants, and asserts that
the concept remains relevant in a unipolar international system. The balance of power is a historical
concept with a variety of meanings. In Thucydides' account of the Melian dialogue, he indirectly
refers to countries balancing in response to growing Athenian power and aggression (Thucydides,
1972). Over 1200 years later, Hobbes described balancing in reference to the ability of a
confederacy of the weak to overwhelm the strong (Hobbes, 1996). Both Thucydides and Hobbes
reference a type of balancing aimed at reestablishing an equilibrium of power within the
international system. Gulick refers to this behavior by states as a doctrine of counterpoise, designed
to ensure the survival of individual states and to prevent a state from accruing predominant power
(Gulick, 1955). During the 19th
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23. In The First Theory,Realism, The International System Is
In the first theory, Realism, the international system is defined by anarchy and the lack of a central
authority, meaning that states are independent from each other and no structure or system can
establish a forced relation among them. In this type of system, power is the main objective that each
state plans to accomplish because only by achieving this power they can protect themselves and
survive. According to this theory, there are different powers that a state plans to achieve for example
the military power, the economic power or the diplomatic power. States seek to achieve the
instruments of "hard" and "soft" power, to gain influence over other states and to accomplish this
goal may be necessary to engage in war, conflicts or ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The Realism theory explain that even if all the countries appear to have different objectives
according to particular circumstances, in reality they have common intentions, which are focused on
re–building the logic of policy makers. And the last assumption sees a country as a "unitary actor".
The nature of the international system defines the main problems that a country can face (Holsti,
1985) .
Realism was a dominant model of explaining the concept of international relations during the past
six decades and was considered to be a framework in order to analyses and understand better the
First World War, The Second World war, and the Cold War. But, Classical Realism is described as a
pessimistic theory of understanding the human nature, when is distinguished that egoism and self–
interested attitude are base of the phenomenon known as "homopoliticus". According to Classical
Realism, the question of why exists conflict and war in the world is founded on human nature
characteristics. In order to eliminate this problem, later was developed a new theory, the Modern
Realist theory, which pointed out that the structure of the international system can be used as an
instrument to explain and understand more the state behavior. The Modern Realists realized that
words like "power", "national interests" or "balance of power", are contradictory concepts.
According to Classical Realism theory, power is an important element, but the relation among power
balance and political output,
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25. Comparing War And Osiander's The Peace Of Westphalia
The Peace of Westphalia incorporates the two treaties, the Treaty of Münster and the Treaty of
Osnabrück, that ended the Thirty Years' War. The Peace put to rest a stalemate between the Holy
Roman Empire and its enemies. It effectively limited the power of the Empire and, in regard to
France in particular, enhanced the strength of the opposing states. These details could only be
disputed with difficulty. The overriding debate concerning the Thirty Years' War, however, is one
that is discussed in the articles presented by Leo Gross and Andreas Osiander. Both authors write in
exploration of the legacy of the Peace of Westphalia. Gross and Osiander argue that the Peace either
established the basis for international law and international relations, ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
In Osiander's opinion, the Peace of Westphalia simply could not have provided the foundation for
international relations because the terms of the two treaties of the Peace concerned only the specific
belligerents and their concerns, not the legal aspects that would have provided the foundation.
Instead, Osiander argues that the terms, like religious tolerance for example, that scholars like Gross
examine, are merely the widely regarded beliefs of the Peace known as the Westphalian Myth: "[The
Peace of Westphalia] is silent on the issue of sovereignty...There is nothing in it about the balance of
power...it is because of the arbitrary habit of regarding 1648 as a milestone in the evolution of
sovereignty that this concept is projected". Because the Peace, according to Osiander, did not
mention sovereignty–related terms, it could not have established sovereignty for modernized
Europe, but did establish "a system of mutual relations among autonomous political units", not
based on sovereignty, but the legal system. Osiander concludes that modern day sovereignty is not a
result of the Peace of Westphalia, but of the emergence of industrialization that lessened the
importance of international factors due to improved independent economies and
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27. International Security And International Law Essay
International security studies offer several concepts to facilitate comprehension of the complex
international order. Transnational identities, balance of power and international institutions and law
are the most applicable concepts to describe the international security system. They best reflect the
thinking of political leaders even in contrary forms of governments in different parts of the world, in
sum, they consider the most dominant paradigms in the study of world politics and they supplement
each other in executing a variegated set of policies. This essay will discuss those concepts following
their related main actors from individuals via states to international organizations. Each paragraph
gives a short characterization of the respective concept, links it with the most appropriate paradigm
and shows the application of the concept in both democratic and more autocratic states while
referencing the other concepts.
The concept of transnational identities is mainly associated with the paradigm of constructivism and
describes both the essential politics of the democratic United States of America (USA) in internal
and foreign affairs and the behavior of the more autocratic governed state of Iran in the Middle East.
The term transnational identity stands for identities or ideologies based on culture. In addition, the
beliefs and values do not necessarily align with national borders. On the one hand, the identities
depend on the interests and preferences in the
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29. Hans Morgenthau : The Balance Of Power In International...
Nearly all of us wish to have a peaceful world free from wars and struggles for our generation.
However, as far as the world is divided into many nations, such as the Middle East, the West, Far
East Asia and African origin, the realisation of such a peaceful world seems far from being possible
in the near future. Even though the United Nations Organisation was established for the purpose of
ending power politics it has not been able to function so well as supposed or intended in its
inception. Thus the world has remained just the same as before and we still live in an age of power
politics. In the general international relations literature, realism stands out for its central focus on the
idea of power. The balance of power endlessly debated and variously defined and it is the core
theory of international politics within the realist perspective. In "Politics Among Nations" (1948),
Hans Morgenthau, "the father of realism" in international relations, defined international politics as
"The aspiration for power is the distinguishing element of international politics. The struggle for
power is universal in time and space and is an undeniable fact of experience." Politicians have
practiced realism as long as states have existed. Most scholars and politicians during the Cold War
viewed international relations through a realist lens. Neither the United States nor the Soviet Union
trusted the other, and each sought allies to protect itself and increase its political and military
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31. Balance Of Power In International Relations
Balance of power is a key concept in international relations. There are many different arguments
about this concept that disagree on whether or not it causes or disrupts peace in the world. Two main
arguments include those made by realists and liberals. While realist theory holds that a balance
between the major powers will create peace, liberals point to many examples in which this isn't true.
There have been many shifts in world power since the first world war that can serve as examples of
peace compared to types of power in the international system. While no theory may be completely
right, examples from the past century or so seem to prove that liberalism has the most accurate
explanation of balance of power and how it relates to peace in the world through democracy, norms,
and institutions. Because of this, states should not follow the advice to balance against power, but
instead seek peace in different ways such as democratization to maintain democratic peace. As I
stated earlier, balance of power is a very important concept in international relations. It is a realist
theory that can be defined as an "arrangement in which capabilities are fairly evenly distributed
among the major actors" (Kinsella 79). Basically, international stability exists when no major power
dominates the international system. A balance of power can exist in multipolar systems by alliances
between major powers, and in bipolar systems by two states matching each other's military
capabilities.
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33. The Cold War System Theory: Demise of the USSR and Changes...
International relations have been one of the most interesting and at the same time controversial areas
of study since the Cold War. The world silent conflagration determined a reconsideration of the way
in which politics was conducted and the relations between states at the level of the balance of power
and the importance of international actors.
One of the most important aspects defined by the theory of international relations takes into account
the fact that the balance of power represents a volatile reality that is always determined by the
external factors that make up international politics. In this sense, the Cold War has been a significant
historical experience that best defines the balance of power in the terms of the two political, military,
and economic blocks, the US and the USSR and their silent yet obvious confrontations at this level.
In order to better understand the volatility of the balance of power, it is important to consider the
Cold War in its historical background, which can be stated to have dated since the end of the First
World War. Hence, the present research considers the confrontations between the US and the USSR
during the Cold War as a clear example of both the legacy of a historical background and the way in
which relations change in time due to political events. However, the point of the research represents
the post Cold War era and how the demise of the USSR affected the balance of power, as a further
exemplification of the volatility of
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35. The Governing Principles Of The Balance Of Power Theory...
Case Study The governing principles of the balance of power theory and polarity failed to predict
the outbreak of the first world war. To understand the dangers of grand simplifications such as the
two aforementioned principles it's best to contrast how they viewed international relations
precluding the war with how the actual state of affairs and its consequences. Prior to the first world
war, the world was in a state of multipolarity with a multitude of empires vying for power [Brown
and Ainley, 21]. During this time, each empire was building up strength internally with the
knowledge that any attempt to disrupt the balance of power through external military means would
be met with staunch opposition [Hill, 181]. Given that states are rational actors concerned with
survival, an assumption made by realists and their theories, they would understand that any such
opposition would be a direct threat to their security. As described by many realist theorists, polar
states want to maintain the balance of power as it is. Brown and Ainley explain that Bismarck was
willing to forego expanding the German Empire into neighboring states in order to maintain the
balance of power and stability [Brown and Ainley, 102]. In the years preceding the first world war,
when realism was the dominant political theory, states were seen to be in a self–help system [Brown
and Ainley, 133]. There was no League of Nations or council for arbitration that states could bring
their grievances to be heard.
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37. Balance Of Power Essay
"The Italians, had discovered the method of preventing any monarch from rising to such a degree of
power as was inconsistent with the general liberty" articulates the author of The History of the reign
of Charles V, one of the many books, that I surveyed for my undergraduate research paper entitled
"British Foreign Policy in the XVIII Century: The Struggle for an European Balance of Power". As
indicated by the title, this project explores a provocative but yet scarcely studied, other than the
works of renowned military historian Jeremy Black, facet of British Foreign policy which made
Britain a global power and through for example American Independence laid the foundations for the
current state of international relations. In brief my research paper argues two main points, the history
of the balance of power theory predates modern Europe and its current state, and how British
foreign policy was influenced not only by British desire for balance of power in Europe, but by
geographic, historical, parliamentary, political and economic influence on foreign policy.
This research paper was the first venture into serious scholarship that has affirmed my passion for
international relations, world politics and British diplomatic history; and it has given me the
confidence to assert and contest my opinions about international relations theory, diplomacy and the
current state of international relations across the globe. Continuing along these avenues of research
in graduate school, I
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39. How International Orders Emerge And How They Change
The survival instinct is part of human nature; compels us to promote security through fight or flight.
One manifestation of this instinct may be seen in the way humans form societies of like–minded
individuals to gain more power for defense. That society will claim territory and sovereignty to
become a state. When that state interacts with other states on the international scene, they become
central actors in the international system. Since that international system is anarchic in its nature,
every state will seek to gain more power in order to protect itself. States which gain more power,
will be major players in the international system and those great power states will form an order,
which we call an international order.2 International orders emerge when one great power state gains
enough power to dominate or set rules for other great powers, and they change when the balance of
power shifts from one great power state to another. In order to explain how international orders
emerge and how they change, we must first explain what international order is. We can describe the
international order as "a pattern of activity that sustains the elementary or primary goals of the
society of states, or international society."3 Sovereign states in an anarchic world are the key actors
in that pattern of activity that we call balance of power, and the primary goal of every state is their
sovereignty and survival. Since there is no overreaching authority in an anarchic world
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41. Realism, Liberalism, And Social Constructivism
Because global politics guarantees only anarchy and interaction, scholars must analyze the
international system using a variety of theories. Realism, liberalism, and social constructivism are
only a handful of lenses through which we view global affairs. Realism suggests that anarchy causes
states to fight for survival and the balance of power. Liberalism suggests that while states do fight to
survive, anarchy creates an environment conducive to cooperation. On the other hand,
constructivism suggests that people constructed this system of international relations and anarchy is
what states make of it. Although each theory is different, they still seek to explain both history and
the contemporary world.
The realist approach to anarchy treats it as the main mode of the international system. Realist theory
states that because the international system is anarchic, survival acts as a state's primary interest.
Without a higher authority to regulate the actions of states, much like a government regulates the
actions of its citizens; states are free to do whatever they please. Realism suggests that given this
amount of power, along with the primal and violent nature of humans, states must constantly fight to
survive. The self–interest of the state comes before anything else, so conflict is always possible.
States only gain relative to other states because there can be no absolute winnings for all states; a
zero–sum approach to power. Also, in the anarchic system states strive to put
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43. Non Proliferation Treaty And The Universal Declaration Of...
The functioning of an international order refers to the "rules of the game" that delineate how states
act toward each other. These rules or governing arrangements are intentionally constructed by states
to promote their goals and interests (Bull 1977: 8) These rules may be formal, operating through
mechanisms like international law, international treaties and alliances, and international
organizations, or they may be informal, based on more nebulous concepts like norms, principles,
and values regarding acceptable or legitimate behavior. These rules of the game identify the rights
and obligations of states, and they provide mechanisms for regulating conflict among states. The
post–1945 international order comprises a large number of ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net
...
Thus, there is no central political authority that can establish rules, force states to obey them, punish
states that break the rules, or otherwise arbitrate among states (Jervis 1985). However, the major
theoretical paradigms draw different implications from anarchy.
Realism is a dominant theory of international relations focuses on state 's security and power
primarily. Besides, states are considered the only unitary rational actors where its survival and
interests is the cornerstone of interstates relation highly based on might rather than on right. Hence,
realists believe that people are by nature sinful and instinctively seeking power to dominant others.
Power will be everlasting in the human 's nature and the possibility to be eradicated is a utopian
aspiration (Kegley, 1993). On the other hand, Liberalism as a dominant theory of international
relations emphasizes peaceful interstates relations where the preference of states goes beyond
politics to economic and social interaction to achieve a harmonious environment and reducing war
conflicts. Basically, the liberals underline that states are not unitary actors and non–states actors are
significant to take a part in the realm since states are not rational and all actors will function better
together. Additionally, power and security dilemma is a secondary objective.
For realists, power and the distribution of power are the only important factors in IR. It is
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45. Globalization of the Economy
Economic globalization has voluminous positive influences on international security as well. The
most important effect of economic globalization is that it curbs the authority of state. It also reduces
states' dependence on military based security and ultimately reduces states' monopoly on security.
This effect is considered by many, a prime factor contributing towards peace and stability. There are
number of factors associated with economic globalization which affects states authority.
Firstly, present economic globalization has opened the door of opportunities for most of the
countries. Though developed countries are making most profit from this opportunity but developing
and even least developing countries are also exploiting the mutual benefit. Due to open competition
local productions in less developed and developing countries are achieving better performance and
standard. Economic globalization is also creating employment opportunities in those countries. On
the other hand states are losing their monopoly on tax collection due to mismatch of economic and
political jurisdiction, and internet–based trade. Thus, on one hand economy has become priority for
states, and on the other hand states losing part of its control on economy. Therefore, economic
globalization is exerting its authority on political and state power.
Secondly, with economic globalization there is an immense increase of the number of MNCs and
their power in influencing politics. These MNCs, as
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47. The Contradiction Between Neorealism And Realism
Events which took place after the end of the "Cold War" and the disintegration of the USSR, and in
particular for the first year of the XXI century, demanded political scientists, sociologists,
geopolitics, as well as psychologists revision of views on the theory of international relations. The
variety of theories and attitudes existing today can ultimately be reduced to three known paradigms:
realist (including classical realism and neorealism), liberal (traditional idealism and neo–liberalism)
and neo–Marxist, each of which comes from its understanding of the nature and character of
international relations. I suppose that today it is relevant to look at the contradiction between
neorealism and neoliberalism.
For the theory of political realism, "the concept of interest defined in terms of power" is the central,
as well as the related concept of balance of power, geopolitical strategy, etc. In neorealism, which
was first outlined by Kenneth Waltz, these accents are slightly displaced. Defending a structural
understanding of power, neo–realism does not reduce the balance of power to the military
component, and includes economic, information and ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
With the end of the "cold war" the credibility of political realism was seriously shaken. Some of the
representatives of neorealism began to call themselves "liberal realists" or "utopian realists", thus
showing a certain willingness to revise certain provisions of the realist paradigm. Many scientists
without questioning the realist thesis about the radical difference of political interactions within the
state and in the international arena, believe that the whole nature of international relations is
changing in the direction of "mature anarchy" in which Western liberal–democratic States are able to
play the role of guarantor of international security and progress is made available to all, including
fragile states and ordinary
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49. Hans Morgenthau Defensive Realism Essay
I. Introduction
The field of International Security Studies has evolved from the discipline of International Relations
as a passage to apprehend the driving forces within international politics. The increases of traditional
and non–traditional security threats and problems have made security studies vital to academics,
governments, and policymakers. In addition to that, the theory of realism has been a long prevailing
paradigm in international security studies. Moreover, realism is more than a single theory, but this
school of thought has flowered and has generated many new branches and sub–branches within
realism. Among this school of thought, prominent works in the theory of realism include the highly
influential classical realism ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
Waltz's postulate focuses on the anarchic environment of the international system and grounds his
analysis on the consequence of the anarchic structure in the international system, which ultimately
dictates how states behave. In this chapter, Waltz contends that the balance of power theory is a
unique concept in international politics. The balance of power concept is laid upon two
prerequisites, that the international system is anarchic and that the international system is filled with
units wanting to survive. This theory claims that the basis of the balance of power does not result
from actor's interests but arises inevitably from the anarchic nature. With that being said, Waltz's
realist account is essentially different from Morgenthau realism model in that he presents a more
systemic theoretical foundation for realism, in where state actions or balance of power is dictated
and predicted from the anarchic nature of the international system.
On the other hand, 'Anarchy and the Struggle for Power' in Tragedy of Great Power Politic, by John
Mearsheimer possess several basic assumptions in common with Morgenthau's and Waltz's model of
realism. Although, Mearsheimer shares some basic assumptions with the two authors, he presents a
critically different postulate about the fundamental dynamics of international politics. His model of
realism contends that the discernible behavioural patterns of great
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51. Essay about Great Power Hegemony
Name: Sayed Jamaluddin Firozi,
St no: 1B1019
Great power hegemony
There is a question that which system (empire, balance of power, concert of power or great power
hegemony) provides the best conditions for advancing peace, prosperity and civilization? There are
several opinions about the advantages and disadvantages of each system and the functions, abilities
and disabilities of them to maintaining the peace and stability in international arena. But I want to
argue on hegemonic power system as a preventer of war among states and a maintainer of peace as
comparison to other suggested types of system for advancing peace, stability and civilization in all
over the world. Hegemonic power system is the best system for ... Show more content on
Helpwriting.net ...
For example USA as a hegemonic state "pays the 22 percent regular expenditure of United Nation
and 25 percent of the budget while UN goes for peacekeeping operations around the world. On the
other hand, "the system of balance of power doesn't seem to contribute the cooperation among states
but in contrast it pushes the states to go for a competition and armament race because each state in
the system will increase its capabilities to make the balance in the system. Eventually this
competition will lead nation state to build its arm forces". However, there are some arguments about
the weakness of hegemonic power to prevent states from going to war. They argue that hegemonic
power has its own limitations in term of internal and external barriers to go as policeman around the
world. This arguments see very good and logic. But they don't have any proposal that which system
could be the best to make the world more peaceful and prosperous. So, despite these points of view
the other types of system such as balance of power or concert of power likely aren't good
replacement for great power hegemony system to be succeeded for making peace and stability in the
world. So I will try to give more examples from history of international relations to show the other
systems (empire and balance of power or concert of power) couldn't make a stable and peaceful
world. But mostly went to war and there was fear of attack from other
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53. Realism And Pursuit Of National Interests
Realism is an approach to international politics that is based on the importance of power politics and
the pursuit of national interests (Heywood, 2000). According to this school of thought, the
international realm is a moral free ambience in which the state is seen as a rational and uniform
player which finds itself in constant conflict with the other states of the system due to the lack of a
comprehensive world government, i.e. an international anarchy (Oldemeinen, 2010). Realism is
directly contrasting to romanticism or idealism, as it offers a cold and calculating picture of how the
world functions, which is often seen as pessimistic. From an international relations perspective,
realism portrays global politics in a homogeneous ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
He also wrote that "the standard of justice depends on the equality of power to compel and that in
fact the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept what they have to accept."
The Melians believed that they would have the gods by their side because their position is morally
just, whereas the Athenians opposed with the view that it is the natural order of life for the strong to
dominate the weak. For Thucydides, international relations allow the rich and powerful to do as they
please and force the weak to suffer as they must (Hellenic Resources Network). One of the first
classical realists in this newly established province was Morgenthau, who would have the largest
impact on the field. In his book Politics Among Nations, 1948, Morgenthau produced a report of
political realism that would dominate the study of international relations for decades to come.
According to Morgenthau, realism is concerned with how the world actually is, rather than how it
ought to be; it is an empirical rather than a normative paradigm. In time, the intellectual hegemony
of Morgenthau's classical realism was succeeded by the emergence of neorealism by Kenneth Waltz.
In his book Theory of International Politics, 1979, Waltz sought to develop systematic and scientific
realism, which divided the theory into classical realism and neorealism (Pashakhanlou, 2009). Hans
Morgenthau and Kenneth Waltz hold their
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55. The Between 1879 And 1980
Throughout the period between 1879 and 1980 the relationships between the powers changed
greatly in their nature, coinciding with a shift in the balance of power. The Entente Cordiale of 1904
can certainly be seen as a key turning point, along with other factors such as Neville Chamberlain's
policy of appeasement, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the SALT I and II agreements. The signing of
the Entente Cordiale in 1904 epitomised the ever–growing division on the European stage in the
early 1900s, and certainly contributed to a pre–war alliance which precipitated the outbreak of
World War One. At the time, the highly unlikely signing of an Anglo–French agreement can be seen
by Gavin as a, "construct as an affront towards Germany". However, from the point of German
interests, they had no objections to the treaty and had no reason to suppose that the alliance was
directed against any one power. The period of Britain's largely mythical 'splendid isolation', formally
ending by the 1902 Anglo–Japanese Alliance, Britain began to expand its relations with European
countries. The signing of the Entente Cordiale can certainly suggest that Germany ought to be
concerned, and is certainly significant when determining any alteration in the relationships of the
powers and shift in the balance of power. A way in which the Entente Cordiale was significant was
that it was firstly tested in the 1905 Morocco Crisis, only 13 months within the signing of the
cordiale, suggests German objection
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57. The Realist and Liberalist Perspectives on International...
The Realist and Liberalist Perspectives on International Relations and US Policy Stance Toward Iraq
There are two prominent stances in International Relations. The schools of thought are commonly
referred to as realist and liberalist. There are various names that they are called, and they can also be
split further into subdivisions. However, for the purposes of this question I will just refer to the main
schools of thought, and the main aims of both the paradigms. At a first glance at this question, my
gut feeling is that the United States aims to achieve the same as the liberalists, that of world peace.
But the current stance of the US policy is to achieve this utopia by realist methods, pre–emptive ...
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The Iraq question has proven that with the emphasis on security, living in fear of attack, the realist
stance brings us closer to war.
States wishing to arm themselves against attack may be seen as mobilising for war. This happens
because there is no distinction between offensive and defensive weapons. In such a case a "security
dilemma" is raised.[2] Such a question has been raised over Iraq; is Saddam Hussein arming for war
against the West or for defence against the West? This is difficult to show because of the lack of
distinction between offensive and defensive weapons.
The mutual distrust of Iraq and the United States of America can be explained by the fact that under
the realist paradigm power is a chief aim. This power is achieved by defending themselves against
possible aggressors and also at the expense of their rivals. In the current climate, the United States is
defensive and aggressive towards Iraq and vice versa.
With the struggle for power, or at least a balance of power, it is inevitable that there will be a
number of small wars that ensue. The realist viewpoint proved this pre–1914 when the intricate
alliance systems of the Ententes of France and Britain, the Dreikaiserbund of Germany, Russia and
Austria–Hungry. These two alliances produced several minor wars that helped maintain
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59. The Effects Of The Balance Of Power
The Effects of the Balance of Power
Introduction
In the breadth of International Relations, political theorists have been seeking a solution to maintain
peace and stability among states. As conflict among states is imminent, it is impossible to fully
eliminate war and aggression. However, the scope of international relations is to create an effort to
minimize conflict by using communicative techniques and strategies. The best way to create
diplomatic resolutions is to understand the function of the actors and their roles. The "balance of
power" is a strategic concept that offers a feasible solution to bring about stability and harmony to
conflicting states.
The primary instrument that engages the prospect of war, peace, and the balance of power is the
amount of actors who possess power on the international stage. There are three main systems to
classify the allocation of power in the international community. The three systems include a
unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar world. Many realists' theorists correlate multi–polar systems as
destructive and problematic in causing wars. Meanwhile, it is widely agreed that bipolarity
encourages stability and a unipolar world is the most ideal in maintaining peace. The objective of
this paper is to analyze these three concepts of distribution of power and how it has affected the
international stage after World War II.
Conceptualization: Balance of Power
The "balance of power" theory is considered a rudimentary concept in the field of
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61. Surrealism And Neorealism
The possibility of change and cooperation within the international system is a topic that has been
hotly debated amongst different professional theorists and political scientists for centuries. Many
have talked about the need for peace, meanwhile trying to formulate solutions to help prevent wars
and conflicts but most have concluded that there are definite deterrents that preclude cooperation
between states. Neorealists argue that due to the absence of an overriding sovereign authority in the
international system, cooperation between states is exceptionally difficult to achieve. Constructivists
assert that ideas and norms of individual states matter because they shape the identity of the actors
and therefore the structure of the international system, in turn allowing for some kind of change and
possible cooperation. This essay will analyze different obstacles that can impede states' ability to
cooperate while outlining the underlying assumptions of each theory by first evaluating neorealists'
pessimistic view of change and by secondly illustrating a different perspective offered by
constructivists.
Neorealism, first delineated by Kenneth Waltz, argues that the nature of change within the
international system can be abridged to the distribution of capabilities amongst great powers.
Neorealism attempts to answer and explain big picture questions in International Relations by
focusing on the system level of analysis, actively disregarding individual and state levels of
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63. Realism And The Theory Of Realism
Introduction
The idea of Realism was unofficially was created in fifth century BC by Thucydides, and continued
through Niccolo Machiavelli. This lead to the first official IR theory of realism in Thomas Hobbes,
amd Hans Morgenthau, known as Classical Realist. From there Classical Realism evolved to the
ideas of Kenneth Waltz, which brought along the ideas of neo–realism or structural realism theory.
Then came offensive, defensive, and neoclassical realism. Overall the main idea of realism is
defined by internationalrelations.org as "when looking at the political system, or more specifically,
the international system, realists focus their ideas about how international relations work based upon
the concepts of power and security." ("Realism ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
This ranges from military presence to business presence. These countries want a piece of
Afghanistan politics. This analysis of Realism will use this situation as an example of why these
countries are involving themselves in Afghanistan, to better understand the theory.
System and Power
A system, from a neorealist point of view is described by Waltz as "A system is composed of a
structure and of interacting units. The structure is the system–wide component that makes it possible
to think of the system as a whole." Waltz furthermore goes into how to define a structure "A
structure is defined by the arrangement of its parts." (Waltz, 1979) Bringing the neorealism theory
that looking at politics, structure is the arrangement of the states, not the collection of them. This
leads in to the neorealism idea that there is no central authority, and the world depends on balance
(Sterling–Folker, 2013). That the one thing structure or balance depends on is the states, not NGOs
or other actors. From a classical realism perspective according to Morgenthau's "It is a characteristic
aspect of all politics, domestic as well as international, that frequently its basic manifestations do not
appear as what they actually are–manifestations of a struggle for power". (Morgenthau, Thompson
& Clinton, 2010) Morgenthau is saying that states are power seekers, and strive for dominance
which is
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65. Realism Is The Most Convincing Paradigm For International...
WOULD YOU AGREE THAT REALISM IS THE MOST CONVINCING PARADIGM FOR
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS? WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF
REALISM AS A THEORY FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS?
Realism has dominated international relations theory since emerging in the 1930's. The era of state
conflict lasting from the 1930's to the end of the cold war in 1947, proved the perfect hostile
environment to fit the largely pessimistic view of world politics. While many aspects of realism are
still alive in International Relations today; including the dominant presence of states, intrinsic of war
and the decentralised government. However, realism only reaches so far in explaining and creating a
structure for international relations. Whilst the strengths of the theory lie in its pragmatic approach
to power politics and conflict. However, the realist view is weakened by changes in the way that
conflict is fought, the ineffectiveness of the balance of power model and the increasing global and
interconnected world. Thus, using realism as a structure to explain international relations today is to
some extent, a theory of the past.
There are two, key conflicting theories in the study of international relations, idealism and realism,
known to scholars as the 'Great Debate'. Realism, offers an account of international affairs through
four central ideas; that states are the key players in international relations, the decentralised
international stage is anarchic, actors are rational and self–interested
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67. Kennan's Analysis
Kennan understanding of the driving forces of international relations effects how he understands the
hostilities between the United States and the Soviet Union. Realism is central to his argument of the
structure international relations. In viewing realism as driving force of international relations, it
became the base for his development of US foreign policy of containment. He frames containment
to address the issues of maintaining US security, by containing the Soviets attempts to expand their
power, and restoration of the global balance of power.
Kennan argument is that the fundamental driving force of international relations is realism. He
views state actions as working for their own security, and self–interest. It means that actions
undertaken by states are for the maintenance or expansion of state security. The focus is not on
state's ideology or internal structure as a determinate of actions. Rather it is about perseveration of
security, and self–interest in the long–term as the base for actions. It gives a flexibility to state
policy, given, it does not focus on the short term. Instead, a state will take 'hits' that harm short–term
interest, but not the long–term goal of power for security. As well, to maintain state sense of security
is having a ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
State motives are working for their self–interest, specifically, to work for their security. Kennan's
view is that the Soviets hold a flexible agenda (Sources of Soviet Conduct, 574). Kennan argument
and the base of containment is because the Soviet are working for their self–interest of security, not
ideology. The Soviet Union has a history of invasion and a feeling of "capitalist encirclement" with
which eventually can be no permanent peace (The Long Telegram, Kennan). It means that the state's
actions are going to center on maintaining and expanding their own power to feel
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69. The Ability Of A Classic Book
The ability of a classic book is to be reinterpreted. A classic is something that is 'Judged over a
period to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind' (kimsunjin, 2013). A classic book is a
book accepted as being paradigmatic or prominent, for instance, books like Pride and Prejudice, To
Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men and so forth, are listed in a list of great books. Either through
an imprimatur or a reader's opinion. Per Henrik Blidal, Casper Sylvest and Perter Wilson in 'Classics
of international Relations: Essays in criticism and appreciation' they define a classic in five key
ways; 'the acknowledged or undisputed classic", "the archetypal classic", "the classic in the
making"," the overlooked classic" and lastly the "Alternative format classic". Kenneth Waltz's neo–
realist 'Theory of International Politics' is arguably the utmost significant book in International
relations, as Jack Donnelly argues it is "causing a fundamental discursive transformation and
conveying the notion of anarchy to the forefront" (Donnelly, n.d.). Similarly, Keohane and Nye's
'Power and Interdependence' re–examined the military and economic interests of state and non–state
actors. The authors widened the dominant realist worldview of the time and contributed to many of
the advances in our modern era of globalization.
* Waltz's 1979 "Theory of International politics" fits into the category of the 'acknowledged or
undisputed classics', perhaps because it replaced Morgenthau's
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71. International Relations Essay
The first paradigm of international relations is the theory of Realism. Realism is focused on ideas of
self–interest and the balance of power. Realism is also divided into two categories, classical realism
and neo–realism. Famous political theorist, Hans Morgenthau was a classical realist who believed
that national interest was based on three elements, balance of power, military force, and self interest
(Kleinberg 2010, 32). He uses four levels of analysis to evaluate the power of a state. The first is
that power and influence are not always the same thing. Influence means the ability to affect the
decision of those who have the power to control outcomes and power is the ability to determine
outcomes. An example of influence and power ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
The power of a state is always contextual and relative. The final level of analysis Morgenthau
considers to be important is whether or not the power is legitimate and moral or if it is illegitimate
and immoral. Legitimate and moral power carries considerable weight in the international
community. However, if the power of a state is derived from illegitimate sources such as a
dictatorship the international community will be less responsive to that state, weakening its power.
Weak or small states may enter into alliances with stronger states to increase their power and
influence within the international community (Kleinberg 2010, 33–34). Morgenthau also believed
that the charisma and personality of a leader was very important when reviewing the balance of
power and understanding a state's self interest (Kleinberg 2010, 32). Realism focuses on the balance
of power and how it impacts of actions of state actors within the international political system.
Morgenthau said that, "The aspirations for power on the part of several nations, each trying to either
maintain or overthrow the status quo, leads of necessity to a configuration that is called the balance
of power and to policies that aim at preserving it" (Morgenthau 1967,131). He goes on by explain
that not only is the balance of power and the policies that protect it inevitable but also that they are
essential for
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73. Morality In International Relations
International relations have always been a very important topic. Knowing and understanding the
history of international relations is vital to learning how it has evolved and how we can handle it
today and in the future. However today our historical egoism, or the idea that we believe we are
better and more advanced than those in the past can blind us. In reality, history is a bit more
complicated. We often ask if it is a never–ending march of progress or one conflict after another?
The best we can do is learn and try to create a better future. With that said, we will be looking at two
important factors in international relations: power and morals. It has been a widely–debated issue
whether it is better to use power or morals in international relations. Some argue that power is the
answer to international relations, and others believe that morals are the answer. In the end, several
theories, authors, and examples can lead us closer to the aptness of international relations.
To begin with, many have argued that power is what maintains a balance between nations and what
can also lead to war. First, let's look at two major powers in the world: Europe and United States.
Their international relation structures are very different. America is more realist than Europe in the
way they use, desire, and view power. Europe's perspective is more diplomatic and sophisticated.
Europe tends to turn away from power and focuses on a creating laws and rules that world should
follow. When an
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75. The Theories of International Relations
INTRODUCTION
The theories of international relations are the end results of good international relations and system
in the world today, most of this theories are not well implemented in most countries which has
resulted on conflicts among nations, political instabilities, secessions and all other political unrest.
This essay will shed more light on the phases of international relations from the individual stage to
the international stage.
Firstly, this essay will explain what the theories of international relations are and then proceeds to
give you the overview of what theoretical perspective provides the best account in international
relations
Liberalism idealism
Liberalism is a society which is characterized by freedom of thought ... Show more content on
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" the security of one is the concern of all " and this is where collective responsibility comes in, in
which aggression by one state would be countered by collective action by the other state, embodied
in a league of nations.
The League of Nations illustrated the importance the theory have placed on international institutions
to deal with war and the chance for collective problem solving in a many–sided forum
(Mingst,2004:63).
Where we could see the weakness of this theory was when the Liberals is seen to have failed to
make the world safe for democracy' as President Woodrow Wilson, who authored the covenant of
the League of Nations, claimed it could during WW1, even when its doctrine were institutionalized
into international organizations like the League of Nations and later the United Nations. Mingst also
added that the League of Nations proved incompetent of maintaining collective security and many
questions of the basic goodness of humanity came up, leaving liberalism under intense scrutiny.
These questions made liberalism as a theoretical perspective fall out of favour.
Realism
This theory believes people to be sinful and wicked by nature and man's aggressive power seeking
and lustful nature has implications on the state. Individual in states are organised to act in a unitary
way in pursuit of its own national interest in terms of power (Mingst, 2004:65). Mingst also wrote
that the
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77. Latin America Foreign Policy Essay
Latin America cannot be categorized as one homogenous block. In spite of sharing multiple aspects–
culture, language, and history–there is not a single standard culture that distinguishes the region.
One aspect of Latin American culture, regarding foreign policy, is a prevalent respect for the norm
of sovereignty and non–intervention. There exists a strong disposition to follow international law as
a means to prevent war or at the very least ward–off potential intervention by extraregional powers.
Accordingly, the factor of self–interests and self–preservation creates a divergent spectrum of
foreign policies within these countries. Thus, there is a unique propensity of domestic politics–
primarily from those leaders in ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
A comparative analysis will be made between a legalistic and pragmatic/realistic approaches. Taking
into account that each country is independent from each other, and with differing interests, this essay
will give multiple reasons as to why such a variety in policy exists. Accordingly, this essay will
show a propensity for states to apply the foreign policy development strategy that best fits their
needs. Although there may be a sense of preferential treatment for some strategies, Latin American
countries are not inherently bound to a specific development scheme.
The Legalistic Nature of Latin America
Legalism as a cornerstone of Latin American norms has effectively shaped the relationship between
how these states relate to each other and the world. According to Arie Kacowicz, it was considered
honorable for a country to meet its lawful commitments "not divorced from considerations of
national interests such as prestige and reputation." When a region's identity relies so much on
traditional legacies, the trend is to lean towards the accepted norms that culturally tie the region. In
its simplest terms, norms are standards of behavior or laws that oversee the behavior of a societal
block. Although, Latin America cannot be studied as a homogenous block, countries in the region
vary in their alignment patterns independently of each other in an attempt to pursue self–interests.
There is, however, enough of a social
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