Liberalism vs. Realism, Case Study Example

Overview

In the political and historic perspective, liberalism and realism have a great significance. The features of realist and liberal views will be reviewed below.

Realism equals power and exercise of power, used do dominate masses in order to avoid anarchy. This is usually done by military intervention. The promotion of national interest is the main goal, and this can only be achieved through power.

Liberalism is about cooperation instead of control. In today’s globalized and interdependent world, it is more common for states and corporations to adapt a liberal approach towards politics and international trade.

Power Struggles. Wars are mainly caused by power struggles of states and their intent to achieve a dominant position. The same is valid for the Cold War, when a nuclear weapon development resulted in an “arms’ race”, only that there was no conflict, only threat. The invasion of other countries was also a demonstration power by both the Soviets and the USA. Power struggles in the world today can be described as states’ mission to maintain their national, cultural and ideological independence through power. This evidently comes with the suppression of ideas, and is the basis of the conflict between the Middle East and the United Sates.

The International Politics of the US today. Today’s US international policy, after the collapse of the Soviet Bloc is neither realist nor liberal: it has elements from both approaches. The expansion of the NATO can be viewed as an increase of power in the world, (realist approach), however, it also has the elements of liberal tactics, such as negotiation, considering other states and balancing power.

Speaker Notes – Liberalism vs. Realism

Realism: bases on states’ intent for self-preservation through maintaining power. This system drives states towards war, through power struggles. There is a lack of impact from international organizations. There is a lack of negotiation between states, and moral behavior is risky. The benefits of military intervention to maintain power outweigh the risks.

Liberalism: states that while international politics are full of conflicts, the benefits of a military intervention are smaller than the negative consequences. This system uses social and economic power and international organizations to put pressure on other countries. Military intervention is no longer considered to be the only effective way of solving conflicts.

Power Struggles and Wars. Look at the example of the 2^nd World War. Dominant countries were trying to achieve world domination, therefore, in order to maintain their power, they created great armies. While the British tried negotiation and liberal approaches, it did not work, therefore, the realist approach had to be used. The Cold War was based on demonstrating power. Just remember Vietnam, the invasion of Afghanistan and Georgia by the Soviet Union and the threats made. If we look at the recent conflicts between the Middle East and the United States, it is evident that there is an ideological, economic, political and power struggle present. The United States is looking in increase its worldwide influence through military force and collaboration at the same time.

US International Politics Today. The US’s mixed approach towards international politics is clearly visible in the example of the Cold War. While there was a threat and the United States wanted to maintain their power, they sought collaboration with other countries, therefore, they were mixing liberal elements with realist ones. Another, more recent example is related to the international conflict about Iran’s nuclear weapons. The United States sought United Nations approval, however, their aim was to demonstrate their power in the region, using realist tactics. Instead of rushing into invasion, they requested sanctions to be put in place against the country.