Neoliberal Institutionalism 1. Introduction Neoliberal institutionalism is a major approach within International Relations that explains how states can cooperate despite operating in an anarchic international system. The theory accepts some important assumptions of realism, particularly the absence of a central world government and the continuing importance of states. However, it argues that international institutions can…

Liberalism 1. Introduction Liberalism is one of the major theoretical traditions in International Relations. It emphasizes the possibilities of cooperation, institutions, economic interdependence, democracy and international law. Unlike theories that view international politics primarily through competition for power, liberal approaches argue that states can develop durable patterns of cooperation even in an anarchic international system….

Classical Realism 1. Introduction Classical realism is one of the most influential theories of International Relations. It explains international politics primarily through power, national interest, human nature and the struggle for survival. Classical realists argue that states operate in an international environment in which there is no central authority capable of reliably protecting them. Consequently,…

Neorealism 1. Introduction Neorealism, also called structural realism, is a major theory of International Relations developed primarily by Kenneth Waltz. Neorealism retains the realist emphasis on power, security and state survival but explains international behaviour differently from classical realism. Instead of focusing primarily on human nature, neorealism emphasizes the structure of the international system, especially…

Idealism 1. Introduction Idealism is one of the earliest major theoretical approaches in International Relations. It emphasizes the possibility of cooperation, peace, international law, institutions and moral principles in international politics. Idealist thinkers argue that international conflict is not an unavoidable feature of human existence. Through appropriate institutions, democratic governance, international law, diplomacy and cooperation,…