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…

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,…

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….

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,…

Human Security 1. Introduction Human security represents a broader understanding of security in which the individual and communities, rather than only the state, become central objects of protection. The concept emerged prominently after the Cold War as scholars and international organizations increasingly argued that security cannot be understood solely through military threats and territorial defence….

Strategic Culture 1. Introduction Strategic culture refers to the historically developed beliefs, assumptions, traditions and patterns of thinking that influence how a state understands security, war, military power and the use of force. States facing similar international conditions may behave differently because their strategic decisions are shaped not only by material capabilities but also by…

Great Powers and Superpowers 1. Introduction Great powers and superpowers occupy central positions in the international system because their economic, military, technological and diplomatic capabilities allow them to influence international affairs beyond their immediate regions. The concepts are related but not identical. A great power possesses capabilities that allow it to exercise substantial influence over…

Power Transition and Global Order 1. Introduction Power Transition Theory examines how changes in the relative power of major states can affect international order and the possibility of conflict. International systems are not static. States rise and decline, economic capabilities shift, technologies change and new powers emerge. When a rising state approaches the capabilities of…

Traditional Security 1. Introduction Traditional security refers to the conventional understanding of security in which the state is the primary object of protection and military threats are regarded as the principal sources of insecurity. For much of modern international relations, security was understood primarily in terms of territorial integrity, political independence, military capability, and survival…