Chap 2: Important Theories in International Relations

1. WHAT IS A ‘THEORY’ AND WHY IS IT REQUIRED?

A theory is like a tool that helps us understand, explain, and predict things in a certain area. It's a set
of ideas or rules that we can test and use to figure out what might happen in the future. In science, a
theory is a structure that explains a bunch of things we see happening.

It's important because it helps us make sense of what we observe. Without a theory, we might feel
lost in a flood of information and not know how to make sense of it. A theory gives us direction on what
to pay attention to and what to ignore, so we can understand things better and explain them more
accurately.

THEORIES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

In the field of International Relations (IR), several theories have been developed over time to help
understand and analyze the complexities of international politics. Some of the prominent theories in IR
include:

1. Realism
2. Feminism
3. Liberalism
4. Marxism
5. Idealism
6. Imperialism

REALISM
The World according to realism
Realism in international politics is not just a single theory but a broader approach that has been
around since ancient times. It sees the state as the primary actor in global affairs, driven by its pursuit of
power and national interests. Realism remains influential in the study of international relations,
emphasizing the importance of military and strategic issues, especially during times of global tension.

One key idea in realism is the concept of anarchy in international relations, where no higher authority
exists to ensure the security of states. Consequently, states must rely on themselves or form alliances to
safeguard their interests. Realists generally believe that a balance of power between major states is
necessary to maintain global peace, although there is ongoing debate about the most favorable
configuration of this balance in today's world. Realism has often gained prominence during periods
marked by high international tension and conflict, such as the pre-World War II era and the initial stages
of the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union.
Classical realism
Classical realism emerged in the 1930s as a reaction to the failure of Western diplomacy after World
War I and the rise of aggressive, nationalist states like Nazi Germany. Realists rejected the idealistic
approach of the time, which emphasized international organizations and law as the key to global peace.
They criticized the idealists for viewing the world through their values and ignoring the aggressive
nature of states.

Classical realists believed that states act in their self-interest in an anarchic international system,
leading to potential conflicts. They argued that international organizations and laws are not enough to
control aggressive states. Instead, they advocated for a balance of power system to maintain peace,
especially in a world dominated by hostile superpowers and the looming threat of nuclear weapons.
Realists considered the state as the primary actor in global politics, emphasizing the importance of
considering its interests in maintaining world peace.

Neorealism
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, criticisms of classical realism led to the emergence of neorealism,
which aimed to address the growing interdependence in the international system and the relationship
between states and global markets. Neorealists, like Kenneth N. Waltz, emphasized three key
assumptions:

1. Anarchy: The absence of a common authority in the international system forces states to rely
on their means for security. Neorealists prioritize the importance of the balance of power to
explain stability.
2. State-centric Approach: While recognizing the role of non-state actors, neorealists assert that
states remain the most crucial actors in global politics.
3. Rationality of States: States are seen as rational actors that calculate the costs and benefits of
their policies, although they may sometimes make errors due to imperfect information.

Neorealism brought forth discussions between offensive neorealists, who prioritize power and
security, urging states to strengthen their power continuously, and defensive neorealists, who
emphasize security promotion through factors like military technologies and perceptions of threat.

Defensive neorealists highlight the significance of institutions, transparency, and cooperation in

facilitating security and cooperation, underlining the balance of threat as a more accurate predictor of
alliance formation. This nuanced approach enables a deeper exploration of cooperative possibilities
within the international system.
Foremost features of Realism
Realism is a significant school of thought in international relations that emerged in the mid-20th
century, offering an alternative to idealism and emphasizing a more pragmatic and practical approach to
understanding international politics. Some of the foremost features of realism include:

1. State-Centric Focus: Realism places the state as the primary actor in international relations. It
contends that states are the key players in the international system, seeking to maximize their
security and power. This emphasis on the state as the central unit sets the tone for
understanding the dynamics of power and conflict among nations.
2. Anarchy and Self-Help: Realism perceives the international system as anarchic, lacking a
central authority or global government. In the absence of a higher authority, states must rely on
their resources and capabilities to ensure their survival and security. This notion of self-help is
central to realist thinking, with states prioritizing their interests above all else.
3. Power Politics: Realism emphasizes the importance of power and the pursuit of national
interests as the primary driving force behind state behavior. Power is often defined in terms of
military capability, economic resources, and geopolitical influence. States are constantly striving
to enhance their power relative to other states to ensure their security and maximize their
influence.
4. Rationality and Pragmatism: Realism assumes that states are rational actors that carefully
calculate costs and benefits in their decision-making processes. Leaders are expected to act in a
calculated manner to advance their state's interests, with a pragmatic approach that prioritizes
national security and survival.
5. Pessimistic View of Human Nature: Realism tends to adopt a pessimistic view of human
nature, asserting that individuals and states are inherently self-interested and power-hungry.
This perspective influences the way realists perceive state behavior and interactions in the
international arena.
6. Emphasis on Conflict and Security : Realism highlights the prevalence of conflict and
competition in international politics. It underscores the significance of security concerns and the
constant threat of conflict arising from the pursuit of power and national interests. Security is
considered a paramount objective for states, often leading to a focus on military capabilities and
strategic alliances.