Transcript Realism vs. Liberalism: Which theory best explains the current world

Realism vs. Liberalism:
Which theory best explains the current world affairs?
Aikerim Daurenbayeva
Realism vs. Liberalism

Laying out the basics
 Realism: The
traditional path that emphasizes the centrality of
the state on the world stage and the pursuit of national selfinterest above all else.
 Liberalism: The
alternative path that emphasizes a more
cooperative, globalist approach and the important role nonstate actors and instituions representing individuals or groups
interests on the world stage.
Realism and the Nature of Politics


Influence of Thomas Hobbes and Hans Morgenthau: Conflict is
inevitable
Largely pessimistic: Humans are aggressive and self-serving, and
they are unlikely to change
Liberalism and the Nature of Politics

Influence of Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Humans join civil
societies and cooperate to achieve mutual benefits.

Human beings are not always evil and can learn
The Roles of Power and Principles:
Realism–an emphasis on power
 Power-based perspective–survival of the most powerful


Emphasizes pragmatic, self-help policy prescriptions
‘Might makes right’
Liberalism–an emphasis on principles
 Based on cooperative and ethical standards
 Seeks to create policy norms of justice and peace
Prospects for Competition and Cooperation
Realism–realpolitik approach
 Place national interest first in international politics
 Practice balance-of-power politics
 Achieve peace through strength
Liberalism–globalist approach
 Power is not the essence of international relations
 Power politics is futile and destructive
 Peace is achieved through cooperative relations
 Willingness to surrender some sovereignty to international structures promoting
cooperation
Assessing Reality: Realism and Liberalism

Comparing the ability of realism or liberalism to explain world
history

Both realism and liberalism influence current policy

Competition has dominated world history

Realpolitik is the order of the day
Thank you for
attention!