Theories can help simplify the complexities of international politics. Theories help create an abstract understanding and an explanation of why and how the states behave. Realism, liberalism, and constructivism all have different perspectives of how the states should operate, but not one of those theories is more accurate than the other or explains the real world problems. I organized this paper based on the most famous theories: realism,liberalism, and constructivism along with their core perceptions of the world and their criticism following regards them through other lenses.
The first theory that I will be approaching is Realism which was founded by Thucydides, Thomas Hobbes, and Niccolò Machiavelli. Realism’s core assumptions are: states are the main actors in international politics, states desire power, states are rational actors, and the system is anarchical. Sovereign states are in charge of who they interact with and there is no higher, superior authority above the state that can decide its behaviors. States seek to preserve their political autonomy and their territorial integrity. Their main actions towards those two interests are their focus on strengthening their military power. They believe in self-interest rather than moral principle. Since the states are anarchical …show more content…
However, they fail to realize that these norms can shift quickly. We can take into example today’s world. Few years ago, we had a different idea towards the use of marijuana, however if you look at it now many people accepted the idea and now it’s even legal to possess some. This shows that ideas can and will shift dramatically. They also believe in the a state's positive intentions, but from a realist’s point of view then states can not trust each other. They are uncertain of their true motive and their future actions. They can be friends for one minute and the next they can each other’s worst
The first theory that I will be approaching is Realism which was founded by Thucydides, Thomas Hobbes, and Niccolò Machiavelli. Realism’s core assumptions are: states are the main actors in international politics, states desire power, states are rational actors, and the system is anarchical. Sovereign states are in charge of who they interact with and there is no higher, superior authority above the state that can decide its behaviors. States seek to preserve their political autonomy and their territorial integrity. Their main actions towards those two interests are their focus on strengthening their military power. They believe in self-interest rather than moral principle. Since the states are anarchical …show more content…
However, they fail to realize that these norms can shift quickly. We can take into example today’s world. Few years ago, we had a different idea towards the use of marijuana, however if you look at it now many people accepted the idea and now it’s even legal to possess some. This shows that ideas can and will shift dramatically. They also believe in the a state's positive intentions, but from a realist’s point of view then states can not trust each other. They are uncertain of their true motive and their future actions. They can be friends for one minute and the next they can each other’s worst