realism and liberalism examples

Realism – U.S. Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal (2018)

Trump’s decision to abandon the deal prioritized U.S. national interest over multilateralism, showing Realism’s focus on sovereignty and self-help.

Realism – Skepticism Toward the United Nations

The U.S. and UK invaded Iraq in 2003 without UN approval. This reflects Realism’s belief that states act in their own interest, undermining international institutions.

Realism – Cold War (1947–1991)

A decades-long global power struggle between the U.S. and USSR to maintain the balance of power and deter each other’s dominance.

Realism – Syrian Civil War (2011–Present)

External powers like Russia and the U.S. intervened for strategic gain, not humanitarian concern, highlighting Realism’s view of power politics.

Realism – U.S. Invasion of Iraq (2003)

The U.S. acted unilaterally to secure interests like oil and WMD prevention, ignoring global consensus—core realist behaviour.

Realism – Russia’s Annexation of Crimea (2014)

Russia took control of Crimea to protect its strategic interests, including NATO deterrence and access to the Black Sea. Ignored international law.

Realism – North Korea’s Nuclear Program

Pyongyang’s pursuit of nukes is a deterrence strategy, reinforcing Realist ideas of survival in an anarchic international system.

Realism – U.S. Pivot to Asia (2011)

Washington shifted focus to counterbalance China’s rise—demonstrating the Realist focus on containing rival powers.

Realism – China’s Belt and Road Initiative (2013–Present)

China seeks influence and access to resources through infrastructure investments, reflecting strategic power projection.

Realism – The U.S.-China Trade War (2018–2020)

Protectionist tariffs and economic rivalry show Realist concerns about economic dominance and zero-sum competition.

Realism – Israel-Palestine Conflict

Driven by control over land, security, and recognition—conflict reflects Realist emphasis on power, territory, and national interest.

Realism – Saudi Intervention in Yemen (2015–Present)

Aimed at curbing Iranian influence, showing regional power competition—a key realist dynamic.

Realism – Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

Military standoff rooted in nuclear deterrence and balance of power—quintessential Realist moment in Cold War history.

Realism – Realpolitik in the Ukraine War (2022–)

Putin's strategic goals to resist NATO encroachment and reassert Russian power embody Realism’s core ideas of state behaviour.

Realism – The 2008 Financial Crisis

The U.S. and others acted to protect their national economies. International institutions served state power rather than restraining it.

Realism – START & Arms Control Agreements (2010, 2021)

The U.S. and Russia bilaterally agreed to limit nuclear arms—not through IGOs but based on mutual self-interest.

Realism – States Acting Outside IGOs

The 2021 New START treaty was negotiated directly between the U.S. and Russia, not via the UN or other IGOs—Realism in action.

Liberalism – European Union Formation (1993)

The EU is a model of peaceful economic and political integration, showing Liberalism’s belief in cooperation and interdependence.

Liberalism – United Nations Peacekeeping (e.g., Cambodia 1990–93)

UN missions aim to prevent conflict through diplomacy and cooperation, key liberal values.

Liberalism – Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

Establishes global human rights norms—Liberalism believes shared values and laws can prevent conflict and promote justice.

Liberalism – Democratic Peace Theory & Cold War’s End (1989–1991)

Eastern European democracies transitioned peacefully, supporting the Liberal idea that democracies don't fight each other.

Liberalism – World Trade Organization (WTO) (1995–Present)

Promotes free trade and economic interdependence—central to Liberal peace theory.

Liberalism – The Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015)

Global cooperation to reduce emissions reflects Liberal trust in multilateralism to solve global problems.

Liberalism – International Criminal Court (2002)

Promotes global justice by prosecuting war crimes, grounded in the Liberal belief in the rule of international law.

Liberalism – NATO Expansion (1999–Present)

Post-Cold War NATO enlargement promoted democratic values and stability in Eastern Europe.

Liberalism – UNCLOS (1982)

Maritime law treaty designed to resolve disputes peacefully and equitably—Liberal legalism in action.

Liberalism – African Union Formation (2002)

The AU fosters peace, development, and cooperation across Africa, consistent with Liberal values of collective security.

Liberalism – Kyoto Protocol (1997)

An early example of global coordination on climate policy. Liberalism supports shared responsibility for global problems.

Liberalism – WHO and COVID-19

The World Health Organization coordinated the global pandemic response, showing Liberalism’s emphasis on institutional cooperation.

Liberalism – The Marshall Plan (1948–52)

U.S. aid helped rebuild Europe, reflecting Liberalism’s link between economic growth, democracy, and peace.

Liberalism – African Development Bank (1964)

Supports regional development via cooperation and funding—promoting liberal development theory.

Liberalism – Complex Interdependence & COVID-19

The rapid spread of the virus and need for global vaccine collaboration illustrate states' deep economic and social ties.

Liberalism – 2008 Global Financial Crisis

Collapse in U.S. housing triggered worldwide economic turmoil—showing global interdependence central to Liberal IR theory.

Liberalism – Free Trade Outside IGOs

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) initially included the U.S. but continued post-withdrawal, showcasing liberal trade cooperation.

Liberalism – WTO Facilitating Interdependence

The WTO ensures global trade runs under agreed rules, reducing conflict through economic ties.