Theory of International Relations
Content
Theory of International Relations
set of ideas that explains how the international system works
most theories of international relations are based on the idea that states always act in accordance with
their national interest, or the interests of that particular state
REALISM
states work only to increase their own power relative to that of other states
world is a harsh and dangerous place → POWER IS SIGNIFICANT
powerful state will always be able to outdo—and outlast—weaker competitors
MILITARY POWER → most significant and reliable form of power
state’s primary interest is self-preservation
state must seek power and must always protect itself
no overarching power that can enforce global rules or punish bad behavior
moral behavior is very risky because it can undermine a state’s ability to protect itself
international system itself drives states to use military force and to war
leaders may be moral, but they must not let moral concerns guide foreign policy
international organizations and law have no power or force; they exist only as long as states accept them
Niccolo Machiavelli → The Prince (1513)
rulers to use deceit and violence as tools against other states
moral goals are so dangerous that to act morally will bring about disaster
how to deal with conflicts among neighboring states and how to defend one’s homeland
LIBERALISM
broad ties among states have both made it difficult to define national interest and decreased the usefulness
of military power
increasing globalization, the rapid rise in communications technology, and the increase in international trade
meant that states could no longer rely on simple power politics to decide matters
the world is a harsh and dangerous place, but the consequences of using military power often outweigh the
benefits
International cooperation → interest of every state
military power is not the only form of power
exercising economic power has proven more effective than exercising military power
different states often have different primary interests
international rules and organizations can help foster cooperation, trust, and prosperity
Example: Relations among the major Western powers fit a model of complex interdependence very well.
The United States has significant disagreements with its European and Asian allies over trade and policy,
but it is hard to imagine a circumstance in which the United States would use military power against any of
these allies. Instead, the United States relies on economic pressure and incentives to achieve its policy
aims.
set of ideas that explains how the international system works
most theories of international relations are based on the idea that states always act in accordance with
their national interest, or the interests of that particular state
REALISM
states work only to increase their own power relative to that of other states
world is a harsh and dangerous place → POWER IS SIGNIFICANT
powerful state will always be able to outdo—and outlast—weaker competitors
MILITARY POWER → most significant and reliable form of power
state’s primary interest is self-preservation
state must seek power and must always protect itself
no overarching power that can enforce global rules or punish bad behavior
moral behavior is very risky because it can undermine a state’s ability to protect itself
international system itself drives states to use military force and to war
leaders may be moral, but they must not let moral concerns guide foreign policy
international organizations and law have no power or force; they exist only as long as states accept them
Niccolo Machiavelli → The Prince (1513)
rulers to use deceit and violence as tools against other states
moral goals are so dangerous that to act morally will bring about disaster
how to deal with conflicts among neighboring states and how to defend one’s homeland
LIBERALISM
broad ties among states have both made it difficult to define national interest and decreased the usefulness
of military power
increasing globalization, the rapid rise in communications technology, and the increase in international trade
meant that states could no longer rely on simple power politics to decide matters
the world is a harsh and dangerous place, but the consequences of using military power often outweigh the
benefits
International cooperation → interest of every state
military power is not the only form of power
exercising economic power has proven more effective than exercising military power
different states often have different primary interests
international rules and organizations can help foster cooperation, trust, and prosperity
Example: Relations among the major Western powers fit a model of complex interdependence very well.
The United States has significant disagreements with its European and Asian allies over trade and policy,
but it is hard to imagine a circumstance in which the United States would use military power against any of
these allies. Instead, the United States relies on economic pressure and incentives to achieve its policy
aims.
