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Comparative Theories - Coggle Diagram
Comparative Theories
Liberal Theory
Human Nature
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human beings, like states, are capable of self-development
liberals believe there is a moral dimension to human nature, based on reason and an awareness of the value in treating others with respect
liberals believe that international cooperation is likely, with states forging links with each other in a number of ways, which makes rivalry and conflict less likely.
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wide school of thought in international relations theory that rejects power politics as the sole outcome of international relations and embraces mutual benefits and co-operation
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Cobweb Model
Often associated with liberalism, which suggests that due to globalisation we are increasingly interconnected and inter-reliant. If one part of the cobweb breaks then the whole system is weakened.
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Realist Theory
Human Nature
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based around instinct, rather than reason, drives human beings and human beings are
considered to be selfish and predisposed to aggressive acts
realists believe that international cooperation is unlikely with states, reflecting human nature, pursuing the national interest, which inevitably leads to rivalry and conflict – links to conservatism and human imperfection (Hobbes)
realists differ from liberals because they believe that humans desire personal gain and advancement, which will result in conflict
wide school of thought in international relations theory that has a belief that world politics will remain a field of conflict among actors pursuing power
the key elements of realism can be summarised as the state, survival and self help; after all in an anarchic world the state can only survive by putting its own interests first by maximising its power and not relying on the “help” of ineffective multilateral organisations. Realists thus distrust global governance and, instead, put their faith in the State’s own ability to achieve what it requires through the use of force-based negotiation or through the establishment of a balance of power that can provide the equilibrium necessary for peace.
Realism was a dominant ideology during the Cold War that both the Soviet Union and the United States deployed in order to achieve the best possible outcome for their nations.
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Hedley Bull (realist)
Rather than arguing that international society was simply anarchical, Bull argued that a ‘society of states’ operates in spite of anarchy. In this view, states remain the most important actors in global politics, but they use their authority to negotiate the best possible global society and world order that they can. These negotiations are, of course, not always perfect but they are the only means of avoiding a chaotic and potentially conflict-riven international environment.
Absolute gains
What international actors look at in determining their interests, weighing out the total effects of a decision on the state or organisation and acting accordingly. The international actor's interests not only include power but also encompass the economic and cultural effects of an action as well. The theory is also interrelated with a non-zero-sum game - all states who engage in peaceful relations and trade can expand wealth.
Security dilemma
Theory that actions by a state intended to increase its security, such as increasing its military strength, can lead to other states responding with similar measures producing increased tensions that create conflict
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