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

Realism vs. Liberalism

Period of Development

  • Realism: Developed from the 17^{th} to 20^{th} centuries, significantly shaped after the Peace of Westphalia, and consolidated in the 20^{th} century.

  • Liberalism: Emerged from the 18^{th} to 20^{th} centuries, influenced by the Enlightenment, and reinforced by post-World War I Idealism.

Main Thinkers

  • Realism: Key proponents include Thomas Hobbes, Edmund Burke, E.H. Carr, and Hans Morgenthau.

  • Liberalism: Prominent thinkers include Immanuel Kant, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Woodrow Wilson.

Human Nature

  • Realism: Characterized by a pessimistic view, seeing humans as selfish, conflict-prone, and inherently power-seeking.

  • Liberalism: Holds an optimistic perspective, believing humans are cooperative and capable of progress.

Key Actors

  • Realism: Primarily focuses on states as the main actors, especially great powers.

  • Liberalism: Recognizes states, individuals, and civil society as significant actors.

Structure of the System

  • Realism: Describes the international system as anarchic, reflecting a struggle of all against all.

  • Liberalism: Posits that cooperation is possible, and that law and institutions can mitigate the effects of anarchy.

Main Goal

  • Realism: The primary objective for states is survival and security.

  • Liberalism: Aims for peace, justice, and progress in international relations.

View on Cooperation

  • Realism: Skeptical about cooperation, emphasizing that states are primarily concerned with relative gains.

  • Liberalism: Optimistic about cooperation, believing that absolute gains are possible for all parties.

Role of Institutions

  • Realism: Considers institutions secondary; states ultimately make all decisions.

  • Liberalism: Views institutions as crucial, citing examples like the League of Nations, the United Nations, and international law.

Concept of Power

  • Realism: Defines power mainly in terms of military force and material resources.

  • Liberalism: Broadens the concept of power to include economy, values, and institutions.

Security Concept

  • Realism: Emphasizes the balance of power and deterrence as means to achieve security.

  • Liberalism: Advocates for collective security and the democratic peace theory.

Economic Factors

  • Realism: Economic factors are secondary and subordinated to political goals and power considerations.

  • Liberalism: Considers free trade and interdependence as vital, believing they reduce the likelihood of wars.

Likelihood of Peace

  • Realism: Believes peace is low and wars are inevitable.

  • Liberalism: Suggests peace is higher and more possible through democracy and established institutions.

Neorealism vs. Neoliberalism

Period of Development

  • Neorealism: Developed in the second half of the 20^{th} century, particularly after 1979.

  • Neoliberalism: Emerged primarily in the 1970s-1980s.

Main Thinkers

  • Neorealism: Key figures include Kenneth Waltz and John Mearsheimer.

  • Neoliberalism: Prominent thinkers are Robert Keohane, Joseph Nye, and Joseph Grieco.

Human Nature

  • Neorealism: While not a primary focus, human nature is considered secondary, with the structure of the international system being decisive.

  • Neoliberalism: Assumes that humans and states are rational actors, and cooperation is possible through institutions.

Key Actors

  • Neorealism: Focuses primarily on states, especially great powers, as key actors.

  • Neoliberalism: Includes states alongside international organizations such as the UN, WTO, and EU as key actors.

Structure of the System

  • Neorealism: Characterizes the system as anarchic, with outcomes primarily shaped by the distribution of power (polarity).

  • Neoliberalism: Describes the system as less anarchic due to the presence of institutions and interdependence.

Main Goal

  • Neorealism: The primary objective for states is national security and survival.

  • Neoliberalism: Aims for common benefits, prosperity, and cooperation among states.

View on Cooperation

  • Neorealism: Views cooperation as limited and unstable, often hindered by concerns over relative gains.

  • Neoliberalism: Believes cooperation is both possible and beneficial, and is actively supported by institutions.

Role of Institutions

  • Neorealism: Sees institutions as having a limited role, with states ultimately maintaining prevalence.

  • Neoliberalism: Assigns a central role to institutions, which reduce uncertainty and enforce rules.

Concept of Power

  • Neorealism: Power is mainly defined by military capability and relative capabilities among states.

  • Neoliberalism: Extends the concept of power to include economic influence, trade, and institutional leverage.

Security Concept

  • Neorealism: Centers on the security dilemma, balance of power, and deterrence.

  • Neoliberalism: Emphasizes collective security and institutional mechanisms to maintain peace.

Economic Factors

  • Neorealism: Economic factors are secondary, subordinated to political considerations and the balance of power.

  • Neoliberalism: Considers economic factors to be key, with interdependence reducing the potential for conflicts.

Likelihood of Peace

  • Neorealism: Sees the likelihood of peace as low, with only temporary stability achievable through a balance of power.

  • Neoliberalism: Believes the likelihood of peace is higher and sustainable through institutions and integration.