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Week 4-IRS 102

Note on a Crouse

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12 views2 pages

Week 4-IRS 102

Note on a Crouse

Uploaded by

malgwijoyabraham
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Fayomi and Otubu 2024-IRS 102

Week 4: IRS 102


Module 1. Foundations of International Relations
Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism: A Comparative
Analysis
Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism are three major theoretical perspectives in International
Relations (IR). Each offers a distinct lens through which to analyze the behavior of States and
other actors in the global arena.

Realism

• Core assumptions: States are the primary actors in the international system, driven by a
desire for power and security. The international system is characterized by anarchy,
meaning there is no central authority to enforce rules and maintain order.
• Key concepts: Balance of power, self-help, national interest, and security dilemma.
• Critique: Overemphasis on power and conflict, neglect of non-state actors, and a
pessimistic view of human nature.

Liberalism

• Core assumptions: States are not the only important actors; international organizations,
non-governmental organizations, and individuals also play significant roles. Cooperation
is possible among States, and institutions can help to promote peace and prosperity.
• Key concepts: Democratic peace theory, interdependence, international institutions, and
human rights.
• Critique: Overly optimistic about the potential for cooperation, underestimation of the role
of power and conflict, and neglect of the influence of domestic factors.

Constructivism

• Core assumptions: The international system is socially constructed, meaning its rules and
norms are created and maintained through social interactions. Ideas and beliefs play a
crucial role in shaping state behavior.
• Key concepts: Social norms, identity, and discourse.
• Critique: Difficulty in measuring and quantifying social constructs, and potential to
neglect the role of material factors like power and economics.

Comparison Table

Feature Realism Liberalism Constructivism

1
Fayomi and Otubu 2024-IRS 102

States, international States, individuals, social


Primary actors States
organizations, NGOs groups
Nature of the
Anarchic Cooperative Socially constructed
international system
Power and
Motivation of States Cooperation and prosperity Ideas and identity
security
Shaping norms and
Role of institutions Limited Important
identities

Key differences

• Focus: Realism emphasizes power and conflict, Liberalism emphasizes cooperation and
institutions, and Constructivism emphasizes ideas and social norms.
• View of human nature: Realism is pessimistic, Liberalism is optimistic, and
Constructivism is more nuanced.
• Methodology: Realism and Liberalism are often quantitative, while Constructivism is
more qualitative.

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