Distinction b/w

Realism and Liberalism

Theory  Realism Liberalism
Human Nature
Main cause of conflict
Role of conflict in IR

Analytical focus

Role of state in system

Role of IOs

Policy prescriptions
Key concepts
Role of morality

How to achieve
interest of people
Theory  Realism
Human nature Pessimistic: humans
aggressive and self-serving;
skeptical about possibilities
of change
Main cause of conflict Aggressive human nature,
failure of great powers to use
power wisely & manage
system; Attempt to retain
power & counter attempt to
restrain power lead to power
Role of conflict in IR Central and inevitable, at
least in the long run
Analytical focus States, their leaders and the
ability to make wise policy in
dangerous world. Structure
of state centric system & its
distribution of war
Liberalism
Optimistic: Humans want to
cooperate and can learn to
do so
National greed and insecuirty
prevent human instincts from
prevailing
Central but not inevitable.
Can be decreased by
building cooperative
relationships
Norms like justice, freedom,
self-determination,
democracy & international
organizations
Theory  Realism
Role of state in system States are core and their
leaders work to promote
national self-interest
Role of IOs May pose danger through
illusion of cooperation. Can
be tools of the state to
pursue national interest
Policy prescriptions Pursue pragmatic self-
interest; preserve or expand
power; do not squander
power on marginal interests
or moral/ideological
crusades
Key concepts Power, struggle, self-help,
self-interest, systemic
anarchy, balance of power
Liberalism
States are central but
cooperate through IOs to
create better system
Promote norms, provide
vehicle for states to learn
cooperation, provide
protection and help for small
states.
Create norms of justice and
peace; promote democracy;
promote and strengthen IOs
Peace, justice, democracy,
self-determination,
global/regional organization
and processes, norms,
global/governance
Theory  Realism
Role of morality State and individual morality
different. Highest morality of
state is to safety and welfare
of its citizens
How to achieve interest of Promote the power of own
people state. Only the state can
achieve ‘positive’ results for
individuals
Liberalism
State and individual morality
the same. Important
standard of conduct.
Create norms. IOs and
processes to regulate
behaviour, provide justice
and improve social and
economic conditions for all