Paper 3 - Comparative Global Politics & Comparative Theories

Liberalism vs Realism ~ Human Nature

Realism ~ Pessimistic - Humans are inherently selfish and will always put their immediate self-interest first

Liberalism ~ Altruistic - humans are rational, and realise that cooperation is often key into meeting their best interests

Liberalism vs Realism ~ Power

Realism ~ Power is the most important part in maintaining sovereignty - States compete for power as it is limited

Liberalism ~ Power can allow states to cooperate and balance power between states in their interest - Pooled sovereignty is required

Realism vs Liberalism ~ Order and Security

Realism ~ Security can only be secured through power accumulation and being stronger than your enemy - International system is anarchic

Liberalism ~ Security is brought through cooperation and interdependence - It is only self-sacrifice to break the peace

Order in the international system

Realism vs Liberalism ~ Likelihood of Conflict

Realism ~ conflict is inevitable and states should be prepared to enter into it

Liberalism ~ Conflict serves only as a final solution after all other diplomatic choices have been exhausted

Realism vs Liberalism ~ International Organisations

Realism ~ Their goal is ultimately futile and are doomed to fail - they detract from states’ sovereignty

Liberalism ~ International organisations are key in maintaining peace in the world - Complex interdependence

Realism vs Liberalism ~ Significance of states

Realism ~ States are the most important part of the world order

Liberalism ~ States are not the only important international actors and are decreasing in importance

Realism ~ Thucydides (460-406BC)

Athenian historian and general - Father of realism

"“History of the Peloponnesian War”

Melian Dialogue - Athenians claimed that they, as the larger power, had the right to conquer Melos in order to stop weakness being shown to their island territories

Relations between states based on might rather than right

Realism ~ Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527)

Florentine historian, politician, diplomat

"The ends justify the means”

The Prince (a ruler) should do whatever is necessary to secure his power

Acquiring and maintaining the rule of a nation requires evil.