International Relations: Realism Theories

Classical Realism

• Emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system, where states are the primary actors.
• States are motivated by the pursuit of power and security, making survival their ultimate goal.
• Self-help is a key principle, meaning states need to rely on their own capabilities for security and cannot depend on others.
• Raison d'État (the national interest) guides state decisions, often prioritized over other considerations.
• A dual moral standard applies: One for individuals and another for states in international relations.

Neorealism (Structural Realism)

• Shifts focus from human nature to the international system's structure as the primary determinant of state behavior.
• The anarchic structure of the international system leads to a security dilemma, where actions taken to enhance security can threaten others.
• The distribution of power influences international relations, with different power structures (e.g., unipolar, bipolar, multipolar) shaping dynamics.

Neoclassical Realism

• Incorporates domestic factors, such as state-society relations and leaders' perceptions, into its analysis of state behavior.
• Emphasizes the role of leaders' perceptions and interpretations of the international system and power distribution.
• Distinguishes between status quo states (satisfied with the existing order) and revisionist states (seeking to change it).

Neoliberalism

• Focuses on the role of institutions in promoting cooperation among states and mitigating the effects of anarchy.
• Emphasizes the potential for cooperation among states, particularly through international organizations.

Constructivism

• Argues that anarchy is what states make of it, highlighting the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping international relations.
• Recognizes the influence of both states and non-state actors, including international organizations and transnational advocacy networks, in shaping norms and behaviors.

The English School

• Emphasizes the concept of international society, the balance between order and justice, and a historical and interpretive approach to IR.
• Focuses on states as the core actors in international society and their role in constructing and shaping norms and institutions.
• Acknowledges the growing need to incorporate non-state actors as they become more influential in functionally differentiated international societies.

World-Systems Theory

• Argues that the capitalist world economy is structured as a hierarchy with a core, periphery, and semi-periphery characterized by an exploitative relationship.
• Emphasizes unequal development, where the core often benefits at the expense of the periphery.
• Views capitalism as a historical system with a beginning, middle, and end, with globalization seen as a continuation of capitalist expansion.

Feminist IR

• Challenges the assumption that gender is a biological given, arguing it's a social construct that shapes power relations, identities, and experiences.
• Explores how gendered power relations operate in international politics, influencing state behavior, global governance, and resource distribution.
• Uses intersectional analysis, recognizing the intersection of gender with race, class, and sexuality in shaping experiences of inequality and oppression.
• Critiques traditional IR concepts, such as the state, security, and sovereignty, as often gendered and reflecting masculine perspectives.
• Encompasses various theoretical perspectives, including liberal feminism, critical feminism, poststructural feminism, and postcolonial feminism, providing diverse insights.

Postcolonialism/Decolonialism

• Emphasizes the enduring legacies of colonialism and imperialism in shaping global power relations, knowledge production, and international institutions.
• Challenges Eurocentric perspectives and advocates for centering the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups in the Global South.
• Examines the relationship between the colonial past and the present, including how colonial attitudes persist in international relations.

Explore the foundational theories of Classical Realism and Neorealism, emphasizing the anarchic nature of the international system and the behavior of states. Understand how power, security, and the state's national interest shape international relations and guide decision-making.