International Relations Theories: Realism, Institutionalism, and Liberalism

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and core concepts of Structural Realism, Institutionalism, and Liberalism from the lecture notes.

Structural Realism

An international relations theory focused on power and survival, holding that states operate in an anarchic system, cannot be certain of other states' intentions, and rationally maximize power through relative gains.

Anarchic International System

An international system in which there is no higher world government above states that can reliably protect them.

Realist View of International Law

The perspective that realists see international law as important only when it serves the interests of powerful states.

Institutionalism

An international relations theory asserting that institutions can facilitate cooperation even under an anarchic international system among rational state actors.

International Regimes

Principles, norms, rules, and decision-making procedures created by states to help them cooperate toward common ends.

Realism vs. Institutionalism Distinction

Realism holds that anarchy leads to competition, power, and survival, whereas Institutionalism holds that while anarchy exists, cooperation is still possible through institutions.

Liberalism

An international relations theory focusing on domestic society that asks what is going on inside the state rather than treating states as single actors.