India-Pakistan Conflict

Realistic Approach
The root of policy is not the only concern when trying to determine which IR theory explains the
situation. Take a look at the table below.

rise of Hindutva being pursued by the BJP under Modi and its impact on mutual relations. Are
other initiatives like interference in Baluchistan, funding proxies, supporting Afghan regimes
against Pakistan, promoting sectarian and ethnic violence in Karachi through MQM Altaf by the
Indian Govt going to help in any way towards normalization? If no then realism on part of
Pakistan is the right approach. I believe political leadership in both countries need to rise up to
the occasion and must work towards resolving disputes specially after both have shown credible
1st and 2nd strike nuclear capability.
Liberal Approach
However, with the peaceful demise of Cold War,

liberalism is widely applied in explaining international relations of different regions.

India-Pakistan relations are also explained through

the paradigm of liberalism. It is argued that both the nations have cultivated liberal values,

resulting in complex interdependence and peace in their mutual relationship. The existence of

different regimes as the Indus Waters Treaty, regional trade regime of SAPTA and SAFTA,

CBMs and gas regime of TAPI and IPI, are referred to as liberal trends in their IR.

Israel-Palestine Conflict

Israel’s Approach
The Israeli side of the conflict most certainly subscribes to Realism. This can be most clearly
seen in the three tenants of the theory: Statism, survival, and self-help.

All together Israel sees themselves as the main tool needed to survive and that the interaction
with other nations as more akin to billiards balls than a cobweb. States are mostly out for their
own self interest and you just need to work to leverage that self interest into something that can
be in your favor.

The UN is a perfect example of the survival tenant that there is no real central authority and it is
all just anarchy masquerading as governance. Therefore, international politics is a struggle for
power between self-interested states