Political Perspectives

realism, cosmopolitanism, and liberalism behaviours + examples

Realism

states maximise their power to pursue self-interests, mainly survival, statism, and self-help/interest

Examples of states showing a realistic traits

US (acts to protect national security & global influence - defence spending & military alliances), China (state power, territorial security, and national interest), and Russia (sovereignty, military strength, and strategic influence)

Cosmopolitanism

humanity as one moral community, thus identity and duties transcend borders

Examples of states showing cosmopolitanism traits

Norway (humanitarian aid, refugees, international development, acts on the idea that wealthy countries have moral responsibilities beyond borders), Sweden (foreign aid, global human rights, domestic policies often reflect concern for global wellbeing), Germany (accepted large no.’s of refugees 2015, human rights and obligations beyond nationality), and the EU (promotes shared responsibility across borders, strong focus on human rights, global cooperation, and humanitarian law)

Liberalism

the pursuit of liberty and world peace through global cooperation

Examples of states showing liberalism traits

Australia (supports democracy, free trade, human rights and international institutions like WTO & the UN), US (individual rights, free markets and democracy - key designer of liberal global institutions), Germany (strong supporter of the rule based international order, cooperation, and int. law), and Canada (promotes diplomacy, multilateral cooperations, and human rights)