A look at classical realism and complex interdependency theory in modern politics.
Written in 2003; 2,380 words; 6 sources; APA; $ 72.95
Paper Summary:
This paper exlores major tenets of classical realism and complex interdependency theory. It argues that classical realism does not provide adequate theories for modern politics because of the rise of nonstate actors, the decline in the importance of military force and the blurred boundary between domestic and foreign politics. Each weakness of classical realism is argued with a specific historical evidence. It also demonstrates how weaknesses of classical realism can be overcome by strength of complex interdependency theory.
From the Paper:
"The traditional agenda of international affairs ? the balance among major powers, the security of nations ? no longer defines our perils or our possibilities. Now we are entering a new era. Old international patterns are crumbling; old slogans are uninstructive; old solutions are unavailing. The world has become interdependent in economics, in communications, in human aspirations. " Realist perspectives on politics have existed since Thucydides and have evolved through the work of scholars such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Rousseau. Tempered by two world wars, realism became the dominant discipline of international politics. Realism, focusing mainly on the roles of states and power in international politics, and elaborated by scholars such as Hans Morgenthau and John Herz, provides an effective frame for understanding international politics of the post world war era. However, witnessing tremendous incidents in international relations such as the Vietnam War, the oil crisis, the rise of a transnational advocacy networks, and the rapid post-war spread of multinational corporations, scholars have begun to realize that realism does not always provide adequate theory for every historical event. Consequently, they seek "better" alternatives to realism. This search leads to two questions: in which areas is realism weak? And which alternative would be ideal for overcoming the weaknesses of realism? This essay will argue that classical realism, which is still crucial for understanding the concepts of power, national interests, and rationality, is particularly weak at accounting for changes in international politics such as the rise of nonstate actors, the decline in the importance of military force, and the blurred boundary between domestic and foreign politics. Nonetheless, the weaknesses of realism can be overcome, and it will be argued that an examination of the main tenets of both classical realism and complex interdependency theory reveals that complex interdependency theory provides a more adequate theory than does classical realism and can better account for the areas in which classical realism is weak. In order to clarify this argument, this essay will begin by describing the main tenets of classical realism and complex interdependency theory."
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