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Comparative Theories - Coggle Diagram
Comparative Theories
Human nature
Realism
Cynical and conservative perspective. Human nature is negative and selfish. This leads to selfish states. People are rational and act in their own interests. Uncertain about other people's motivations, best to look after one's own interests (Security Dilemma). Machiavelli thought states were amoral
Liberalism
Optimistic and positive view on human nature. Humans are altruistic, co-operative and capable of putting others' need before their own. Sometimes it is rational to do so (Stag hunt scenario). The multitude of human interests mean that states are not unitary actors and express many interests through foreign policy. Kant thought democracy was the expression of human nature and was peaceful
Power
Realism
There is finite amount of power in the world. States compete for it in a zero-sum game. If they do not, they risk being at the mercy of other states (Security Dilemma). Thucydides thought states would expand their power no matter the cost - Melian dialogue
Liberalism
Power is unlimited and all states can gain power, not necessarily at the expense of others. Pursuing power is not a game of winners and losers. States can expand their economies not at the expense of others. Soft power is peaceful power - Joseph Nye
Order and security
Realism
The international system is anarchic and states are unbound by rules, they can go about increasing their own power with impunity. Peace can only be brought about with a balance of power in a bipolar world or a global hegemon in a unipolar world.
Liberalism
The international system is one of complex interdependence, with different levels of integration and co-operation. Increasing interdependence, IGOs, globalisation, democracy and reduced state power will bring about peace - Kant and Woodrow Wilson
Likelihood of conflict
Realism
Conflict is inevitable, especially for offensive neo-realists. Conflict is especially prevalent under multipolarity, as it intensifies the security dilemma due to dispersion of power. It is avoided under bipolarity and unpolarity. Conflict is natural and should be pursued - Machiavelli
Liberalism
Conflict is irrational. It is in states' interests to co-operate rather than go to war. Increased interdependence means that conflict is less and less likely. 85 million died 1939-1945, but only 90,000 died in 2019. IGOs help create peace. Conflict can be avoided through the Kantian Triange of democracy and the rechtsstaat.
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Significance of States
Realism
States are the principle actors in the global system. They reflect selfish human nature. They are unitary and express one interest, their own. They are rational, which makes them pursue their own security over anything to do with morals - Machiavelli.
Liberalism
States are not the sole actor in the international system, eg TNCs, IGOs, regional blocs. State is declining in importance due to globalisation. They are not necessarily selfish as states, specifically democracies, have to reflect a wide variety of opinions. Thus they can be guided by moral principles. Kant's rechsstaat. Nye's interdependence