International Relations Theories: Realism vs. Liberalism & Neorealism vs. Neoliberalism

Flashcards covering the key differences and tenets of Realism, Liberalism, Neorealism, and Neoliberalism in International Relations.

During what period did Realism primarily develop and solidify?

Realism developed from the 17th-20th centuries, shaped after the Peace of Westphalia and consolidated in the 20th century.

When did Liberalism primarily develop, and what intellectual movement influenced it?

Liberalism developed from the 18th-20th centuries, influenced by the Enlightenment, and later post-WWI Idealism.

Who are some of the main thinkers associated with Realism?

Hobbes, Burke, Carr, and Morgenthau.

Who are some of the main thinkers associated with Liberalism?

Kant, Rousseau, and Wilson.

How does Realism view human nature?

Realism views human nature as pessimistic, selfish, conflict-prone, and power-seeking.

How does Liberalism view human nature?

Liberalism views human nature as optimistic, cooperative, and capable of progress.

According to Realism, who are the key actors in the international system?

States, especially great powers.

According to Liberalism, who are the key actors in the international system?

States, individuals, and civil society.

How does Realism characterize the structure of the international system?

The international system is anarchic, a struggle of all against all.

How does Liberalism characterize the structure of the international system?

Cooperation is possible, and law and institutions mitigate anarchy.

What is the main goal for states according to Realism?

Survival and security.

What is the main goal for states according to Liberalism?

Peace, justice, and progress.

What is Realism's view on international cooperation?

Realism is skeptical of cooperation, as relative gains typically dominate.

What is Liberalism's view on international cooperation?

Liberalism is optimistic about cooperation, believing absolute gains are possible.

What role do institutions play in the international system according to Realism?

Institutions are secondary; states decide everything.

What role do institutions play in the international system according to Liberalism?

Institutions are crucial (e.g., League of Nations, UN, international law).

How does Realism primarily define the concept of power?

Mainly military force and resources.

How does Liberalism define the concept of power?

Includes economy, values, and institutions, in addition to military force.

What is Realism's primary security concept?

Balance of power and deterrence.

What is Liberalism's primary security concept?

Collective security and democratic peace.

According to Realism, what is the role of economic factors?

Economic factors are secondary and subordinated to politics.

According to Liberalism, what is the role of economic factors?

Free trade and interdependence reduce wars.

What is the likelihood of peace according to Realism?

Low; wars are inevitable.

What is the likelihood of peace according to Liberalism?

Higher; possible with democracy and institutions.

When did Neorealism primarily develop, and who is a key figure?

Neorealism developed in the second half of the 20th century, especially after 1979, with Kenneth Waltz as a key figure.

When did Neoliberalism primarily develop, and who are key thinkers?

Neoliberalism developed in the 1970s-1980s, with Robert Keohane, Joseph Nye, and Joseph Grieco as key thinkers.

How does Neorealism view human nature?

Human nature is secondary; the structure of the system is decisive.

How does Neoliberalism view human nature and cooperation?

Humans and states are rational, and cooperation is possible through institutions.

According to Neorealism, who are the key actors?

States, especially great powers.

According to Neoliberalism, who are the key actors?

States plus international organizations (e.g., UN, WTO, EU).

How does Neorealism characterize the structure of the international system?

The system is anarchic, with outcomes shaped by the distribution of power (polarity).

How does Neoliberalism characterize the structure of the international system?

It is less anarchic due to institutions and interdependence.

What is the main goal for states according to Neorealism?

National security and survival.

What is the main goal for states according to Neoliberalism?

Common benefits, prosperity, and cooperation.

What is Neorealism's view on cooperation?

Cooperation is limited, unstable, and hindered by concerns about relative gains.

What is Neoliberalism's view on cooperation?

Cooperation is possible and beneficial, supported by institutions.

What role do institutions play in the international system according to Neorealism?

Institutions have a limited role; states always prevail.

What role do institutions play in the international system according to Neoliberalism?

Institutions are central, as they reduce uncertainty and enforce rules.

How does Neorealism primarily define the concept of power?

Mainly military power and relative capabilities.

How does Neoliberalism define the concept of power?

Includes economy, trade, and institutional leverage.

What is Neorealism's primary security concept?

Security dilemma, balance of power, and deterrence.

What is Neoliberalism's primary security concept?

Collective security and institutional mechanisms.

According to Neorealism, what is the role of economic factors?

Economic factors are secondary, subordinated to politics and power balance.

According to Neoliberalism, what is the role of economic factors?

Economic factors are key; interdependence reduces conflicts.

What is the likelihood of peace according to Neorealism?

Low; only temporary stability through a balance of power.

What is the likelihood of peace according to Neoliberalism?

Higher; sustainable through institutions and integration.