Realism vs. Liberalism

Paper Summary:

This paper explores Realism in terms of both its classic assumptions and its contemporary revisions in the context of other theories of international relations and in particular that of Liberalism. It is argued that while there are challenges to Realism as the dominant theory of international relations, the flaws in Realism revealed by some of these challenges do not require the overall rejection of Realism and its assumptions. Rather, as is shown in this paper, no single theory can explain every situation in the international political environment.

From the Paper:

"The development and analysis of theories of international relations are necessarily complicated by the social and political context in which they are developed. Although international political theory is, of course, an intellectually autonomous field of study, historically the discussion of international relations "theories are largely shaped by what happens in the sphere of practical world politics" (Haque 135). For example, while the dominant theory of international relations during the Cold War - Realism - fell into abeyance in the 1990s with the end of the Cold War, after the events of September 11, 2001 variations on Realism reasserted their predominance in the field of international political theory."

More papers on Realism vs. Liberalism:

• Term Paper # 140669 : "Realism Vs. Liberalism"
• Argumentative Essay # 3417 : "Conservatism vs Liberalism"
• Analytical Essay # 138562 : "Multiculturalism vs. Liberalism"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: