This document provides an overview and critique of realism and liberalism as international relations theories. It notes that realism views states as rational actors seeking power and security, with a competitive human nature. Realism is criticized for ignoring non-state actors and non-military forces. Liberalism emphasizes interaction between states and other actors as leading to a more cooperative world, but is critiqued for downplaying the importance of wars and reducing predictability. The document concludes by framing an evaluation of structural realism and liberalism, suggesting strengths and weaknesses be weighed with supporting evidence.

1. The critique

2. What do we know about Realism?
• All realists believe that states are rational actors that are motivated by
the desire for military power and security rather than ideals or ethics
• Realists view human nature as selfish, conflictual and competitive and
believe that states are inherently aggressive (offensive realism) and
obsessed with security ( defensive realism)
• Realism values order and doesn’t welcome change

3. What is wrong with Realism?

4. • Does not talk about change
• It gives a lot of importance to military power and ignores
other forces
• Considers states as the only the actor
• Talks about IR in terms of maximizing power, non
cooperation and wars
• Too narrowly focused – ignores important facets of human
life
• States are not only in conflict – share common interests
and rules
• Plays down influence of international law

5. What do we know about Liberalism?
• Emphasizes interaction between states and substate actors
as the key characterisitcs of the international system that can
lead to a more orderly, just and cooperative world.
• Considers a variety of other actors

6. What is wrong with Liberalism?

7. • Makes wars seem less important, when they exist
today
• Does make events clear or certain. Takes away our
ability to predict conflict
• Does not aid on predicting future events

8. Concepts and beliefs
How does the theory believe
the world operate?
Key actors + organizations
Who does the theory think is
important in global politics?
Main tools
How does the theory believe
the world is run?
International system
How does the theory believe
world is structured?
International policy
What foreign policies do
they think countries
possess?
Main approach to peace
How does the theory
believe peace can be
achieved?

9. 'Evaluate the theoretical perspectives of
Structural Realism and Liberalism.
Support your answer with evidence'

10. IB defines to evaluate as:
‘Make an appraisal by weighing up strengths and limitations'
• You should state what you believe to be the strengths and weaknesses of each
theory
• · You can come to the conclusion that one theory is more convincing than the
other or you might decide that both theories make valid points (this is called
synthesis)
• · You must support your answer with evidence. For example, evidence to
support Liberalism could involve talking about the role played by multinational
corporations in the global political system. Equally, you might talk about the
actions of China in the South China Sea to support a view that Structural Realism
is the most convincing theory.
• Due date: 3rd October
• Your answer should be no more than 2 sides and may be typed or
handwritten.